Mucoadhesive gellan gum/poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) films for ocular delivery of pilocarpine hydrochloride

The study aims to develop new prolonged delivery systems of pilocarpine hydrochloride (pilocarpine⸱HCl) for the therapy of glaucoma. Polymer films based on gellan gum (GG) and its mixtures with poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (POZ) at different ratios were prepared by casting. The films were found to be homogeneous, transparent, and sufficiently flexible. The GG:POZ mixtures were examined using spectroscopic, thermal and microscopic methods. Additionally, the mechanical and mucoadhesive properties of GG and GG:POZ films were studied. It was found that the greater content of gellan gum in the mixture enhances the mechanical strength and mucoadhesive properties of GG:POZ films. In vivo experiments in rabbits were conducted to evaluate the practical application of these films loaded with pilocarpine hydrochloride. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the polymeric films compared to traditional eye drops in terms of prolonged release of the miotic drug and extended therapeutic effect duration.