Hybrid polymeric nanoparticles: Potential candidate for ophthalmic delivery

Abstract

Nanotechnology that deals with submicron particles has the potential to deeply impact ophthalmic delivery owing to its ability to transport incorporated active ingredient/drugs to the different compartments of the eye while protecting them from any external assault. Polymeric nanoparticles, in particular hybrid nanoparticles made up of different biodegradable and biocompatible polymers, has the potential to revolutionize ocular delivery carrier systems by taking advantage of their highly tunable physicochemical properties. Here we report a synthesis method of hybrid nanoparticles made up of chitosan-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA, as a building block of the nanocarrier) as a carrier for ophthalmic delivery. The synthesis method, characterization, and uptake study in retinal epithelial cells by confocal imaging is described herein. © Springer Science+Business Media, New York 2013.