A key challenge in ocular medication administration is attaining a therapeutic drug concentration at the site of action for a prolonged duration. The present study employed the antibacterial Sulfacetamide in a biodegradable ocular insert to achieve prolonged drug release. The inserts were prepared using solvent casting for the matrix and dipping technique for the rate-controlling layer. The polymers utilized were medium-viscosity sodium alginate, polyvinyl pyrrolidine K90, and Eudragit RLPO. All developed inserts were assessed for folding durability, thickness, drug content, swelling capacity, and an in vitro release study. The formulation including 1.5% (w/v) sodium alginate and 7% (w/v) PVP K90 as the matrix, alongside a rate-controlling layer of 15% (w/v) Eudragit RLPO and 5% (w/v) PVP K90, was identified as the optimum formula, demonstrating a prolonged drug release over 12 hours with zero-order release kinetics. Furthermore, a score of zero was noted in the ocular irritation assessment, alongside a four-fold increase in ocular drug absorption via goat cornea. This innovative polymeric composite may decrease the frequency of drug administration from 8-12 times, as observed with standard sulfacetamide eye drops, to merely twice daily while maintaining an adequate therapeutic dose.

A key challenge in ocular medication administration is attaining a therapeutic drug concentration at the site of action for a prolonged duration. The present study employed the antibacterial Sulfacetamide in a biodegradable ocular insert to achieve prolonged drug release. The inserts were prepared using solvent casting for the matrix and dipping technique for the rate-controlling layer. The polymers utilized were medium-viscosity sodium alginate, polyvinyl pyrrolidine K90, and Eudragit RLPO. All developed inserts were assessed for folding durability, thickness, drug content, swelling capacity, and an in vitro release study. The formulation including 1.5% (w/v) sodium alginate and 7% (w/v) PVP K90 as the matrix, alongside a rate-controlling layer of 15% (w/v) Eudragit RLPO and 5% (w/v) PVP K90, was identified as the optimum formula, demonstrating a prolonged drug release over 12 hours with zero-order release kinetics. Furthermore, a score of zero was noted in the ocular irritation assessment, alongside a four-fold increase in ocular drug absorption via goat cornea. This innovative polymeric composite may decrease the frequency of drug administration from 8-12 times, as observed with standard sulfacetamide eye drops, to merely twice daily while maintaining an adequate therapeutic dose.