Polyol-modified deformable liposomes fortified contact lenses for improved ocular permeability

Aim: To develop a glycerol modified liposomes to effectively deliver active agents into posterior segment of the eye for the management of posterior uveitis. Materials and methods: The modified liposome enhanced with glycerol as an edge activator was fabricated using a 3² experimental design with independent variables being soya lecithin (mg) (X₁) and glycerol (%) (X₂) and vesicle size (nm) (Y₁), deformability index (%) (Y₂), and entrapment efficiency (%) (Y₃) as dependent variable with improve permeability and entrapment efficacy. These modified liposomes were then integrated into pHEMA-based contact lenses via free radical polymerization using different monomer mixture, co-polymer, crosslinker, and photo-initiator to extend drug release. Results and conclusions: Nano-vesicles resulted in size and deformability index of 200.5 ± 15 nm and 11.58, respectively, with entrapment efficiency of 80.98% of the drug. Moreover, the optimized lenses demonstrated 71%) of swelling and transmittance of 87%). In addition, in vitro release of active component from the therapeutic contact lens demonstrated sustained drug release over 24 h. Whereas ex vivo studies displayed a 5-fold increase in drug permeation, compared to tested conventional eye drops. The results suggested that glycerosomes-loaded contact lens can be a promising alternative for regulated delivery of dexamethasone sodium phosphate in the management of posterior uveitis.