Title
Thermoresponsivein-situ gelling ophthalmic drug delivery system based on xyloglucan containing triamcinolone acetonide nanoparticles
Authors
YOGESH A. SONAR and HITENDRA S. MAHAJAN

Received April 25, 2025
Published Volume 59 Issue 7-8 July-August
Keywords in situ gel, xyloglucan, triamcinolone acetonide, HET-CAM, ocular drug delivery, nanoparticles

Abstract
This investigation explores the feasibility of using a gel formulation composed of xyloglucan for the administration of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) nanoparticles in ophthalmic drug delivery systems. The solvent evaporation method with lyophilization was employed to develop TA-loaded β-cyclodextrin (βCD)-Soluplus (Solu) nanoparticles (NPs), which were subsequently optimized using the response surface methodology (central composite design, CCD), indicating that the independent variables had a significant impact on particle size and percentage encapsulation. In addition to solid state assessment using FTIR, XRD, DSC, and surface properties using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), the developed nanoparticles were confirmed to have a nanospherical structure and a stable formulation. The release profile and in vitro and ex vivo assessments were utilized to evaluate the drug discharge mechanisms of the developed formulation, which showed prolonged release for 8 h. The optimized formulation exhibited improved corneal permeation compared to the pure drug and showed no irritancy, as evidenced by the HET CAM test.