O-carboxymethylchitosan hydrogel loaded with dexamethasone for intraocular use

This study aimed to develop hydrogels from carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) with dexamethasone (DEX) for intraocular application, aiming to provide structural stability to the eye and attenuation of inflammatory processes. CMC hydrogels were prepared at concentrations of 0.5%, 1% and 2% (w/v) and incorporated with 10% (v/v) DEX. The samples were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopic, thermogravimetric analysis, injectability, rheology, and cytotoxicity. The results showed that the incorporation of DEX did not significantly alter the absorption bands and thermal behavior of the CMQ hydrogels. Injectability tests revealed that hydrogels with DEX require injection force similar to the commercial material. In rheological tests, pseudoplastic and linear viscoelastic behavior was identified. Cytotoxicity tests confirmed the biocompatibility of the hydrogels. These results demonstrate that the developed hydrogels have properties suitable for biomedical applications, especially aimed at the ophthalmological context.