Formulation and Evaluation of Biodegradable Microsphere Hydrogel for Ocular Delivery of Metronidazole
Ashwani Jain1, Pradeep Chauhan2, Sandeep Jain3
1Ashwani Jain, IPS College of Pharmacy, Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), India.
2Pradeep Chauhan, IPS College of Pharmacy, Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), India.
3Sandeep Jain, IPS College of Pharmacy, Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), India.
Manuscript received on 06 July 2026 | First Revised Manuscript received on 15 July 2026 | Second Revised Manuscript received on 25 July 2026 | Manuscript Accepted on 15 August 2026 | Manuscript published on 30 August 2026 | PP: 12-16 | Volume-6 Issue-5, August 2026 | Retrieval Number: 100.1/ijapsr.F411806061026 | DOI: 10.54105/ijapsr.F4118.06050826
Open Access | Editorial and Publishing Policies | Cite | Zenodo | OJS | Indexing and Abstracting
© The Authors. Published by Lattice Science Publication (LSP). This is an open-access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: Background: Ocular drug delivery is hindered by physiological barriers such as tear turnover and nasolacrimal drainage, leading to poor bioavailability of conventional formulations. Biodegradable hydrogel microspheres offer a promising approach for sustained ocular release of therapeutic agents. Objective: To formulate and evaluate sodium alginate Pluronic F-68 hydrogel microspheres for ocular delivery of metronidazole using a factorial design approach. Methods: Hydrogel microspheres were prepared by ionic crosslinking of sodium alginate and Pluronic F-68, with metronidazole incorporated into the polymeric matrix. Nine formulations (MH1 MH9) were developed and evaluated for entrapment efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, swelling behaviour, and in vitro drug release in simulated tear fluid. Results: Entrapment efficiency ranged from 33.62% to 67.37%, with MH7 showing the highest drug loading (33.6%) and encapsulation efficiency (67.37%). Particle size varied between 40.44 µm and 148.28 µm, with MH7 exhibiting a zeta potential of –22.1 mV, indicating good stability. Swelling studies revealed that higher sodium alginate concentrations increased water uptake, whereas higher Pluronic F-68 concentrations reduced it. In vitro release demonstrated that MH7 achieved sustained release, with 49.4% drug released over 24 h. Kinetic modelling indicated that drug release followed the Higuchi model (R² = 0.9925), suggesting a diffusion-controlled mechanism. Conclusion: The optimised formulation MH7 demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency, stable particle characteristics, and prolonged drug release, making it a promising candidate for sustained ocular delivery of metronidazole.
Keywords: Ocular Drug Delivery; Biodegradable Hydrogel Microspheres; Metronidazole; Sustained Release; Sodium Alginate
Scope of the Article: Pharmacy Practice (pharmacist)