Colloidal characterization and drug delivery potential of sesame seed-derived exosome like nanoparticles for ocular application of nepafenac

Corneal permeation through excised tissue demonstrated enhanced penetration by the ELNs formulation of 69.75±2.23% in 2 h versus the marketed suspension, which showed 60.10±3.43%. Lipidomic profiling and BCA assays confirmed the presence of key biomolecules contributing to the carrier’s bioactivity. The isotonicity was confirmed by osmolarity which was found to be 295 ± 1.3 mOsm/Kg and the viscosity was found to be 1.1 cP that indicates that the formulation behaves as a newtonian fluid, facilitating ease of ocular instillation and rapid spreading over the corneal surface without causing visual blurring or discomfort.

Cytocompatibility assessed using the MTT assay in HEK293 and SIRC cells demonstrated excellent cell viability, confirming the safety of the formulation for ocular application. Live/dead confocal imaging further validated the biocompatibility of the formulation in SIRC cells. Collectively, these results validate ELNs as efficient, biocompatible, and sustainable carriers for ophthalmic drug delivery.

This ELNs-based approach offers a promising alternative to conventional eye drops, enabling prolonged therapeutic action, improved corneal absorption, and reduced dosing frequency, key features for managing postoperative ocular inflammation.</p> <p>Schematic representation of the ocular delivery of Nepafenac using ELNs derived from sesame seeds.</p>