The effects of addition of functional monomers and molecular imprinting on dual drug release from intraocular lens material

Although cataract surgery is considered a safe procedure, post-surgery complications such as endophthalmitis and ocular inflammation, may occur. To prevent this, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories are prescribed in the form of eye drops during the post-operatory period, but they lead to a low drug bioavailability in target tissues. The objective of this work is to develop an intraocular lens (IOL) material to deliver simultaneously one antibiotic, moxifloxacin (MXF), and one anti-inflammatory, diclofenac (DFN), in therapeutic concentrations to prevent both complications. The IOL material was modified through the incorporation of functional monomers, as well as molecular imprinting with both drugs using the same functional monomers, namely acrylic acid (AA), methacrylic acid (MAA), 4-vinylpiridine (4-VP) and a combination of MAA + 4-VP. The best results were obtained with MAA. Molecular imprinting did not influence the drug release, except with AA. Application of a mathematical model predicted that the released MXF and DFN concentrations would stay above the predetermined MIC of S. aureus and S. epidermidis and the minimum values of IC50 of COX-1 and COX-2, for 9 and 14 days, respectively. Antibacterial tests showed that the released antibiotic remained active. The physical properties of the drug-loaded MAA-hydrogel remained adequate. The developed system proved to be non-irritant and non-cytotoxic.

Automated summary

The study aimed to develop an intraocular lens material that can deliver both an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory simultaneously to prevent post-cataract surgery complications. Modification of the IOL material through molecular imprinting with specific functional monomers, particularly MAA, proved to be effective in maintaining therapeutic concentrations of the drugs for 9 to 14 days. Antibacterial tests confirmed the efficacy of the released antibiotic remained active, and the physical properties of the drug-loaded MAA-hydrogel were satisfactory, showing non-irritating and non-cytotoxic effects.