A topical fluorometholone nanoformulation fabricated under aqueous condition for the treatment of dry eye.

Fluorometholone (FMT) is a frequently prescribed drug for the alleviation of dry eye. However, due to low aqueous solubility, it has been routinely used as an ophthalmic suspension, which is characterized by low bioavailability, inconvenience of administration, and difficulty in delivering accurate dose. Furthermore, the opaque appearance of the ophthalmic suspension is not desirable for optical purpose. In the present study, a transparent FMT nanoformulation (FMT-CD NPs) was fabricated by the cyclodextrin (CD) nanoparticle technology without organic solvents. It was demonstrated that FMT was encapsulated in an amorphous form, which was associated with increased release rate and enhanced corneal penetration efficiency. The biocompatibility of FMT-CD NPs was confirmed by the Live/Dead assay, CCK-8 assay and the wound healing assay. Most importantly, FMT-CD NPs alleviated dry eye signs more efficiently than the commercial eye drop, with one-fifth the dosage of FMT in the latter. Collectively, our study provides a promising FMT formulation for improved management of dry eye while reducing drug related side effects.

[Effects of PEG additives on structure and performance of blend membranes].

Polysulfone(PSf) /polymer A blend membranes are fabricated by phase inversion process from casting solution of PSf, polymer A, DMAc, and polyethylene glycol (PEG). The resulting membranes prepared by changing the molecular weight of PEG additives are characterized by scanning electron microscope observation, measurement of water flux and trypsin retention. Experiments of water flux show that water fluxes have non-liner relationship with PEG molecular weight. The water flux of the membrane prepared from the PSf/A/PEG-4000/DMAc casting solution was 115.2mL x (cm2 x h)-1, six time as much as membrane without PEG-0. The PEG as a non-solvent changed thermodynamic properties in polymer solution, promoting phase demixing of casting solution; otherwise, it increased solution viscosity, delaying phase demixing. The two different effects work simultaneously, influencing structure and performance of the membranes.