Nepafenac loaded silica nanoparticles dispersed in-situ gel systems: Development and characterization.

This research was aimed to develop and evaluate nepafenac loaded silica nanoparticles dispersed in-situ gel system for the improved treatment of ocular diseases. The blank silica nanoparticles prepared by stober's process showed the particle size of 151 nm to 285 nm with the zeta potential of -19.6 to -31.9 mV. The nepafenac loaded silica nanoparticles were spherical in shape with smooth outer surface. The nepafenac loaded silica nanoparticles dispersed in poloxamer - chitosan in-situ gelling system showed gelling temperature of 32 °C with sustained release of nepafenac and higher permeation (58.79 µg) across the goat cornea than poloxamer - poloxamer (21.18 µg) in-situ gelling system. Hence the developed in-situ gelling system containing nepafenac loaded silica nanoparticle could be a promising tool for the topical delivery of drugs to the eye.