Publication Type Journal Article
Title Atorvastatin-Eluting Contact Lenses: Effects of Molecular Imprinting and Sterilization on Drug Loading and Release
Authors Ana F. Pereira-da-Mota Maria Vivero-Lopez Ana Topete Ana Paula Serro Angel Concheiro Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo
Groups MET
Journal PHARMACEUTICS
Year 2021
Month May
Volume 13
Number 5
Pages
Abstract Statins are receiving increasing attention in the ophthalmic field. Their activity as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors is clinically used to regulate cholesterol levels and leads to pleiotropic effects, which may help in the management of diabetes-related ocular pathologies. This work aims to design bioinspired contact lenses (CLs) with an affinity for atorvastatin by mimicking the active site of HMG-CoA reductase. Sets of imprinted and nonimprinted 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) hydrogels were synthesized, varying the contents in functional monomers that bear chemical groups that resemble those present in HMG-CoA reductase, namely, ethylene glycol phenyl ether methacrylate (EGPEM), 2-aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride (AEMA), and N-(3-aminopropyl) methacrylamide hydrochloride (APMA). The hydrogels were characterized in terms of suitability as CLs (solvent uptake, light transmission, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility) and capability to load and release atorvastatin. Three sterilization protocols (steam heat, gamma radiation, and high hydrostatic pressure) were implemented and their effects on hydrogel properties were evaluated. Copolymerization of AEMA and, particularly, APMA endowed the hydrogels with a high affinity for atorvastatin (up to 11 mg/g; K-N/W > 200). Only high hydrostatic pressure sterilization preserved atorvastatin stability and hydrogel performance. Permeability studies through the porcine cornea and sclera tissues revealed that the amount of atorvastatin accumulated in the cornea and sclera could be effective to treat ocular surface diseases.
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13050606
ISBN
Publisher
Book Title
ISSN
EISSN 1999-4923
Conference Name
Bibtex ID ISI:000662425200001
Observations
Back to Publications List