Development of acyclovir-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles for ocular drug delivery

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to develop acyclovir (ACV) ocular drug delivery systems of bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles as well as to assess their in vivo transcorneal permeability. The ACV-loaded nanoparticles with 4% and 8% drug loading were prepared by desolvation method. Morphology of the nanoparticles under scanning electron microscopy was spherical in shape and uniform in size. The mean sizes and entrapment efficiencies of ACV-loaded BSA nanoparticles were in the range of 125 - 132 nm and 15 - 25%, respectively. Increasing the amount of ACV added into the formulation led to significant reduction of entrapment efficiency of nanoparticles. The results from in vivo transcorneal permeation studies revealed that ACV-loaded BSA nanoparticles could readily permeate through the rabbits' cornea and bring about maximum ACV concentrations within 30 min and prolonged till 120 min.