Formulation Development, Optimization and Evaluation of Ocular In-Situ Nanogel of Moxifloxacin Hydrochloride and Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate for the Treatment of Conjunctivitis

Objective: The aim of this research was to formulate Moxifloxacin hydrochloride and Betamethasone sodium phosphate loaded Chitosan nanoparticle and developed as ocular in-situ gel.  Materials and Methods: Chitosan nanoparticle was prepared by ionotropic gelation method and optimized using 23 Factorial design, By using Cold Method, ocular in-situ gel was developed using temperature sensitive polymer poloxamer 407 and poloxamer 188 followed by sterilisation in autoclave. Optimization: The concentration of Chitosan, sodium TPP and Homogenisation speed was selected as independent variables on the response of Particle size and polydispersity index. Results and Discussion: The Optimised Chitosan nanoparticle formulation were evaluated, SEM analysis shows particles of spherical morphology with crosslinking features  In-vitro drug release of optimized formulation compared to marketed formulation shows results of extended drug release. The developed in-situ gel was clear, forms at translucent gel at body temperature. Further eye irritation test evaluated on Albino rabbits found to be with no irritation, ocular damage, invisible signs to cornea, iris or conjunctiva implicated that formulation is safer to use. Release kinetics study predicted zero-order kinetics with controlled release, following Higuchi model via diffusion.