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Particle-stabilized nanoemulsion hydrogels for ocular delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs

Terrmin

HT23

Beskrivning

Aims of the project:
1. To formulate a stable nanoemulsion stabilized by biodegradable/ biocompatible solid particles and loaded with a poorly water-soluble drug.
2. To formulate a stable nanoemulsion hydrogel for ocular route of administration.
Background:
Globally, approximately 43.3 million people were affected by ocular diseases in 2020 (Burton et al., 2021). By 2050, this number is expected to rise to 115 million people with poor therapeutic treatment alternatives being a contributing factor. Although, the eye is an easily accessible organ, it presents several anatomical barriers for ocular drug delivery (Han et al., 2023). Some of these limitations include short ocular retention time, reduced drug accumulation, and insufficient bioavailability, which ultimately result in low therapeutic effect. For ocular drug delivery, nanoemulsion gels are commonly used formulations. However, the use of surfactants in these formulations can be a limitation for ocular drug delivery (Jug et al., 2021). These surfactants contribute to various side effects, including acute hypersensitivity reactions, peripheral neurotoxicity, and membrane-damaging effects leading to hemolysis and tissue irritation. From a formulation perspective, one can formulate these nanoemulsions as Pickering or particle-stabilized emulsions (Theochari et al., 2020). In this research project, we will formulate a nanoemulsion loaded with a poorly water-soluble drug which will be stabilized using biocompatible/ biodegradable solid particles (e.g. nanocellulose and modified nanostarch). These emulsions will then be formulated into nanoemulsion hydrogels suitable for ocular route of administration.
Tasks/ Methods:
• Shortlist API and set of excipients for preparation of nanoemulsion based on literature review
• Production of particle-stabilized nanoemulsions with a reproducible droplet size using appropriate homogenization techniques based on literature review
• Characterization of nanoemulsions: droplet size distribution (DLS), stability studies (visual inspection for phase separation), drug content analysis (HPLC)
• Formulation of nanoemulsion gel suitable for ocular drug delivery
• Characterization of nanoemulsion hydrogels – droplet size distribution (DLS), drug content analysis (HPLC), viscosity measurements/ rheology

Expected outcome results:
• Stable nanoemulsions loaded with poorly water-soluble drugs of reproducible droplet sizes
• Stable nanoemulsion hydrogels suitable for ocular drug delivery

Huvudområde

Läkemedelsutveckling

Ämne

Läkemedelsformulering och Molekylär galenisk farmaci

Typ

Laborativ studie

Företag

Uppsala university

Ort/Plats

Uppsala

Handledarens namn

Alexandra Teleki

Handledarens e-post

alexandra.teleki@farmaci.uu.se

Institution

Institutionen för farmaci

Program

Masterprogram i läkemedelsutveckling

Kurs

Degree project in Drug Discovery and Development 45 c -3FK044

Omfattning/hp

45hp