Revolutionizing ocular drug delivery: recent advancements in in situ gel technology

Abstract

Abstract Background Ophthalmic in situ gel is a novel preparation. It can be instilled into the eye as a liquid but gels upon contact with the ocular surface, generating a sustained-release depot of the drug. The main body of the abstract Among drug delivery modalities, ocular drug administration requires careful study and parameter assessment. This is because the eyes are sensitive and require careful care. Conventional ocular administration techniques quickly eliminate formulated compounds, minimizing epithelial interaction. This review covers polymers used in ocular medication delivery, their uses, and their drawbacks. The in situ gelling mechanism converts liquid formulations into gels under certain physiological or environmental conditions. When they contact the ocular surface, in situ ocular gels undergo this transformation for medication administration. Different mechanisms drive this change, depending on the gel's formulation and desired properties. Temperature-, pH-, and ion-induced gelation are common processes of in situ ocular gel formation. The medicine's physicochemical qualities, desired drug release kinetics, ocular environment, and patient comfort determine the mechanism. Researchers can create ocular gels that transport medications, improve bioavailability, and increase patient compliance by carefully formulating and understanding the in situ gelation mechanism. These polymers are useful in prodrug research and ocular penetration enhancement. The article thoroughly discusses polymeric systems and creates a viable ophthalmic drug delivery formulation. Short conclusion In conclusion, in situ ocular gels advance ocular medication delivery. These gels overcome various difficulties of current delivery strategies for ocular therapeutics and provide a diverse and effective platform. In situ gelling, where the liquid formulation becomes a gel when it contacts ocular tissues, improves medication retention, bioavailability, and contact time.