Hydrogel containing silica shell cross-linked micelles for ocular drug delivery

Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylatemethacrylic acidethylene glycol dimethacrylate) hydrogels loaded with silica shell cross-linked methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-block-polycaprolactone (MePEG-b-PCL) micelles with rod-like morphology were prepared as a potential soft contact lens material for the sustained release of ocular drugs. The silica shell cross-linked methoxy micelles (SSCMs) comprising a polycaprolactone core surrounded by a silica shell were synthesized and their size, morphology, stability, and drug release kinetics were evaluated. The relationships between the composition of the SSCM-loaded poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA)-based hydrogels and their transparency, surface wettability, and equilibrium water content were determined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of SSCMhydrogel systems showed the presence of intact SSCMs within the hydrogel matrix. Dexamethasone acetate (DMSA), a hydrophobic ophthalmic drug, was loaded into the SSCMs prior to their incorporation into the hydrogels. In vitro release of DMSA from the SSCMhydrogels, with varying drug loading levels, was observed for up to 30 days. Overall, the incorporation of rod-like SSCMs within pHEMA-based hydrogels provided sustained release over prolonged periods while maintaining optical transparency. This delivery system may be suitable for use as a therapeutic soft contact lens material. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 102:627637, 2013