Development and optimization of levofloxacin in-situ emulgel to manage ocular bacterial infections

Traditional eye drops used for topical delivery drugs exhibit inadequate ocular bioavailability because of the natural obstacles of the eye. There is a motivation to design and improve novel ocular drug delivery systems that prolong the precorneal residence period, diminish dosing frequency, and lessen dose-related toxicity. The current study intended to formulate an eye in-situ gel containing model antibacterial Levofloxacin. Several in-situ emulgels with different gelling agents were prepared by the fusion method followed by stirring with a magnetic stirrer. Various grades of HPMC, Poloxamers, gellan gum, sodium alginate, chitosan, sunflower oil, and distilled water were used for this purpose. The optimization process was based on the gelation time and the capacity. The formulations designated with F5, F9, F10, and F11 were optimized and further evaluated. Optimized in-situ emulgels exhibited a prolonged drug release, enhanced residence time due to changes in viscosity, and showed effective antibacterial action against tested microorganisms. The optimized in-situ ocular compositions were biocompatible hence we can say they were safe and effective, which can be a potential delivery system for other antibiotics also.