Hyaluronic acid – PVA films for the simultaneous delivery of dexamethasone and levofloxacin to ocular tissues

Ocular drug delivery is challenging due to the poor drug penetration across ocular barriers and short retention time of the formulation at the application site. Films, applied as inserts or implants, can be used to increase residence time while controlling drug release. In this work, hydrophilic films made of hyaluronic acid and two kinds of PVA were loaded with dexamethasone (included as hydroxypropylcyclodextrin complex) and levofloxacin. This association represents one of the main treatments for the post cataract surgery management, and it is also promising for eye infections with pain and inflammation. Films were characterized in terms of swelling and drug release and were then applied to porcine eye bulbs and isolated ocular tissues. Film swelling leads to the formation of either a gel (3D swelling) or a larger film (2D swelling) depending on the type of PVA used. Films, prepared in an easy and scalable method, demonstrated high loading capacity, controlled drug release and the capability to deliver dexamethasone and levofloxacin to the cornea and across the sclera, to potentially target also the posterior eye segment. Overall, this device can be considered a multipurpose delivery platform intended for the concomitant release of lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs.