Role of mucoadhesive agent in ocular delivery of ganciclovir microemulsion: cytotoxicity evaluation in vitro and ex vivo

Purpose The aim of the present study was to investigate increase in delivery of drug upon formulation as mucoadhesive microemulsion system and further to investigate possibility of any cytotoxic effects using such formulation. Material and methods Considering hydrophilic and small molecular nature of the drug, it was attempted to be formulated as microemulsion, by using pseudo ternary phase diagram method. Thus, three types of microemulsions were prepared; oil in water, water in oil type and chitosan-coated microemulsion. These microemulsions were characterized for several physicochemical properties like size, zeta potential, Polydispersity index, and compared for in vitro cell viability and ex vivo corneal irritation study. Results All three microemulsions were quite stable, transparent and homogenous systems. They showed similar drug release pattern, but highest ex vivo goat corneal permeation was observed with Chitosan coated microemulsion when compared with ganciclovir solution. Conclusion All microemulsions were found to be non-irritant in in vitro cell viability assay and ex vivo corneal irritation study, indicating the potential of using such systems for delivery of drug to eye.