Moxifloxacin Hydrochloride-Loaded Eudragit® RL 100 and Kollidon® SR Based Nanoparticles: Formulation, In vitro Characterization and Cytotoxicity

Background: Considering the low ocular bioavailability of conventional formulations used for ocular bacterial infection treatment, there is a need to design efficient novel drug delivery systems that may enhance precorneal retention time and corneal permeability. Aim and Objective: The current research focuses on developing nanosized and non-toxic Eudragit® RL 100 and Kollidon® SR nanoparticles loaded with moxifloxacin hydrochloride (MOX) for its prolonged release to be promising for effective ocular delivery. Methods: In this study, MOX incorporation was carried out by spray drying method aiming ocular delivery. In vitro characteristics were evaluated in detail with different methods. Results: MOX was successfully incorporated into Eudragit® RL 100 and Kollidon® SR polymeric nanoparticles by a spray-drying process. Particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, particle morphology, thermal, FTIR, NMR analyses and MOX quantification using HPLC method were carried out to evaluate the nanoparticles prepared. MOX loaded nanoparticles demonstrated nanosized and spherical shape while in vitro release studies demonstrated modified-release pattern, which followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model. Following the successful incorporation of MOX into the nanoparticles, the formulation (MOX: Eudragit® RL 100, 1:5) (ERL-MOX 2) was selected for further studies because of its better characteristics like cationic zeta potential, smaller particle size, narrow size distribution and more uniform prolonged release pattern. Moreover, ERLMOX 2 formulation remained stable for 3 months and demonstrated higher cell viability values for MOX. Conclusion: In vitro characterization analyses showed that non-toxic, nano-sized and cationic ERL-MOX 2 formulation has the potential of enhancing ocular bioavailability.