Influence of Preparative Methods on Properties of Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate (BSP) Loaded Cubosomes

Abstract

Purpose: The Betamethasone sodium phosphate (BSP) from a class glucocorticoid is capable of producing an anti-inflammatory activity and hence prescribed for treating macular edema. It is a hydrophilic drug with poor bioavailability and therefore needs frequent dosing, which creates a problem with patient adherence to treatment.

Methods: To avoid frequent dosing, BSP–loaded cubosomes (BSP-CU) were obtained by Top-down, Bottom-up, and solvent precursor methods by the reunification of lipids with surfactants. All selected polymers are renowned and registered as safe polymers with bio-adhesive potential and sustained action.

Results: The comparative evaluation tests are carried out to find the most effective method to optimize the cubosomal system to enhance the encapsulation and drug release rate of BSP-CU at nano size and stable zeta potential. Ex- vivo ocular tolerance assays revealed that all three methods did not influence the viability of corneal epithelial (HCE) cells, muco-adhesive study confirms the mucoadhesive property and cubic nanostructure was verified with Photomicrograph obtained after TEM evaluation.

Conclusion: Among all three methods, top-down methods show the best result used for further optimization. The result of the Ex vivo corneal tolerance study confirms safety on corneal tissues, while Ex vivo corneal uptake study confirms superior corneal penetration capacity of optimized cubosomal formulation.