Design, Development, and Characterization of Modified Xanthan Gum Based Novel in situ Gel of Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride for Ophthalmic Drug Delivery

Abstract

Aim: Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride is a broad-spectrum a powerful fourth generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic
active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative ocular pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and
Staphylococcus aureus and used the treatment of ocular infections. In conventional dosage forms its washout, poor
retention, drainage from eyes affects its therapeutic efficiency, so there is need of novel formulation of it. The aim
and objectives of this research work are to explore the applicability of our previously modified xanthan gum in
formulation, optimization, and evaluation of in situ gel of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride for ophthalmic drug delivery.
Materials and Methods: Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study was
performed to find out compatibilities between drug and polymers. To find out the impact of Conc. of Modified
Xanthan Gum …(X1) and… HPMC (X2) on dependent variables, i.e., gelation temperature and viscosity 32 factorial
designs Optimization technique was used. In situ gel was prepared using modified xanthan gum and HPMC, etc. The
prepared in situ gel of ciprofloxacin was evaluated for pH, gelation time, gelation temperature, viscosity, drug content,
syringeability, antimicrobial potential, and in vitro drug release. Results and Discussion: FT-IR and DSC study
suggests no interaction between ciprofloxacin, modified xanthan gum, and HPMC. The pH of in situ gel solution
was found to be around 6.6 ± 0.2–6.9 ± 0.08 which is an acceptable range for ophthalmic preparations. Gelation time
of prepared in situ gel solution was found to be around 10.6 ± 1.2–32 ± 0.8 s. Gelation temperature of prepared in
situ gel batches was found to be around 30.6 ± 0.4–35 ± 0.8°C. It was found that increasing the concentration of the
polymer resulted in a significant increase in viscosity. Modified xanthan gum had a more pronounced effect on the
viscosity than HPMC at the studied ranges. In vitro, drug release studies showed a polymer concentration-dependent
decrease in drug release. Formulation F8 selected as an optimized batch has maximum gelling temperature 34.6 ±
1.2°C and minimum drug release 91.59% drug release. Optimized formulation gave satisfactory results in terms of
antimicrobial activity. The optimization study was successfully conducted using 32 factorial designs. Conclusion:
Developed in situ gelling systems are viable alternative to conventional ophthalmic products with added ben

efits of
sustained drug released and it will promising approach toward the treatment of various bacterial infections.