Studies on Biopolymers for Ophthalmic Drug Delivery

Abstract
A series of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)‐hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) based films and gelrite (gellan gum) based in situ gels were formulated with ciprofloxacin hydrochloride as the drug. Drug diffusion studies were carried out for both the film and in situ gel formulations. The prepared PVA/HPMC blends have been characterized for tensile strength behavior and percent elongation at break. Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies were carried out to study the compatibility of the drug and polymers used. Drug diffusion results indicate that the film and gel formulations containing ciprofloxacin were compatible and showed a prolonged drug release pattern. The gelrite formulation was non‐irritant and had a good gelling property compared to PVA/HPMC blends.