Thermosensitive Hydrogels for Ocular Delivery: Efficacy Evaluation in Rabbit Eye Models

Abstract

The eye presents many barriers, making it hard to deliver drugs effectively. Eye drops and ointments, the usual dosage forms, are often cleared fast and have poor bioavailability, resulting in subpar treatment outcomes. Thermosensitive hydrogels have shown great promise as they change from a solution to a gel at the temperature of the eye, allowing drugs to be released slowly and in one area. In this review, we focus on describing the development, properties, and rabbit eye testing of thermosensitive hydrogels. The review covers temperature-responsive polymers, such as poloxamers, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and gellan gum, and how they contribute to better delivery of drugs to the eye. A number of studies have found that these hydrogels help keep drugs in the eye longer, improve how well drugs are absorbed, and have good safety and tolerance in rabbit models. It is shown in the review that these hydrogels are able to solve many of the problems with standard ocular drug delivery methods and warrant further research in animals. Scientists should continue to refine the polymers, test safety over an extended time, and look into new therapeutic uses.