Assessment to the Antifungal Effects in vitro and the Ocular Pharmacokinetics of Solid-Lipid Nanoparticle in Rabbits

Zhen Liang, Zhen Zhang, Jingjing Yang, Ping Lu, Tianyang Zhou, Jingguo Li, Junjie Zhang Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital & People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Jingguo Li; Junjie ZhangHenan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital & People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Number 7 Weiwu Road, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of ChinaEmail lijingguo@zzu.edu.cn; zhangjunjie@zzu.edu.cnIntroduction: Fungal keratitis (FK) remains a severe sight-threatening disease, and case management is difficult due to ocular intrinsic barriers and drug shortages. Econazole (ECZ), a broad-spectrum antifungal agent, is limited in ocular applications due to the poor water solubility and strong irritant property.Methods: We successfully prepared solid-lipid nanoparticle-based ECZ eye drops (E-SLNs) by microemulsion method, and the physicochemical properties of E-SLNs were investigated. Corneal permeability, antifungal ability against Fusarium spp., irritation and bioavailability compared to ECZ Suspension (E-Susp) were evaluated in vitro and in vivo.Results: E-SLNs were a uniform and stable system which had an average particle size of 19 nm and a spherical morphology. E-SLNs also exhibited controlled release, enhanced antifungal activity without irritation. The pharmacokinetic analysis in vivo confirmed that E-SLNs showed an improved ocular bioavailability and the drug concentration in the cornea were above minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 3 h after single administration.Conclusion: The E-SLNs colloid system is a promising therapeutic approach for fungal keratitis and could serve as a candidate strategy for other ocular diseases.Keywords: fungal keratitis, solid-lipid nanoparticles, econazole, topical administration, corneal penetration