Extended ocular drug delivery systems for the anterior and posterior segments: biomaterial options and applications

Jennifer J. Kang-Mieler, Emily Dosmar, Wenqiang Liu, William F. Mieler

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

65 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: The development of new therapies for treating various eye conditions has led to a demand for extended release delivery systems, which would lessen the need for frequent application while still achieving therapeutic drug levels in the target tissues. Areas covered: Following an overview of the different ocular drug delivery modalities, this article surveys the biomaterials used to develop sustained release drug delivery systems. Microspheres, nanospheres, liposomes, hydrogels, and composite systems are discussed in terms of their primary materials. The advantages and disadvantages of each drug delivery system are discussed for various applications. Recommendations for modifications and strategies for improvements to these basic systems are also discussed. Expert opinion: An ideal sustained release drug delivery system should be able to encapsulate and deliver the necessary drug to the target tissues at a therapeutic level without any detriment to the drug. Drug encapsulation should be as high as possible to minimize loss and unless it is specifically desired, the initial burst of drug release should be kept to a minimum. By modifying various biomaterials, it is possible to achieve sustained drug delivery to both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)611-620
Number of pages10
JournalExpert Opinion on Drug Delivery
Volume14
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 4 May 2017

Keywords

  • Anterior segment delivery
  • PLGA
  • drug delivery
  • eye
  • hydrogels
  • liposomes
  • microspheres
  • nanospheres
  • posterior segment delivery

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