Polymeric nanoparticulate system: A potential approach for ocular drug delivery

Various efforts in ocular drug delivery have been made to improve the bioavailability and to prolong the residence time of drugs applied topically onto the eye. The potential use of polymeric nanoparticles as drug carriers has led to the development of many different colloidal delivery vehicles. Drug loaded polymeric nanoparticles (DNPs) offer several favorable biological properties, such as biodegradability, nontoxicity, biocompatibility and mucoadhesiveness. These submicron particles are better than conventional ophthalmic dosage forms to enhance bioavailability without blurring the vision. DNPs have been shown to be amenable to targeting of the drug to the site of action, leading to a decrease in the dose required and a decrease in side effects. Additionally, DNPs can be fabricated by simple techniques with better physical stability than liposomes. This unique combination of properties makes DNPs a novel polymeric drug delivery device, which fulfils the requirements for ophthalmic application. This review discusses the polymeric nanoparticles, physiochemical characterization, fabrication techniques, therapeutic significances, patented technology of nanoparticles and future possibility in the field of ocular drug delivery. Crown Copyright (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.