Development, Statistical Optimization and Characterization of Ganciclovir Laden Ethyl Cellulose Nanoparticles: A 32 Factorial Design Approach

Keratitis left untreated can lead to blindness. Various factors contribute to ocular keratitis, primarily viral infections such as VZV and HSV. Ganciclovir is effective in treating viral keratitis by inhibiting viral DNA polymerase replication, thereby suppressing viral reproduction and delaying the progression of the disease, which ultimately reduces the risk of corneal scarring and perforation. However, the efficacy of ganciclovir in treating ocular keratitis is limited by challenges related to medication delivery and absorption, particularly with conventional eye drops and ointments that quickly evaporate upon contact with the cornea, necessitating frequent administration that may impact patient compliance. To overcome these limitations, researchers have explored nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. Nanoparticles, particularly those made from biocompatible and biodegradable materials like ethyl cellulose, offer advantages such as controlled drug release, enhanced bioavailability, and improved ocular permeability. Ethyl cellulose nanoparticles can effectively transport drugs to ocular tissues, protect them from degradation, and improve drug absorption, thereby reducing the frequency of dosing and minimizing side effects. In this study, ganciclovir was incorporated into ethyl cellulose nanoparticles using the emulsion-solvent evaporation method. The formulation parameters, including ethyl cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol concentrations, were optimized using a 32 full factorial design. The optimized formulation (B6) demonstrated the lowest errors and had particle size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency values of 178.1nm, -21.53mV, and 53.51%, respectively. Furthermore, the optimized batch exhibited sustained drug release, with 87.14% release observed at 12 hours. Overall, the study highlights the potential of ethyl cellulose nanoparticles as a promising drug delivery system for improving the treatment outcomes of ocular keratitis, with the optimized formulation showing favorable characteristics for effective and sustained drug delivery.