Biodegradable Formulations for Ocular Drug Delivery

Dear Colleagues,

The treatment of ocular pathology is challenging. It is necessary to reach the target cell and maintain effective concentrations at the site of action. Drug penetration, drug metabolism, and cell–drug interactions are influenced by the surrounding cellular microenvironment and the pathological stage. There is currently a demand to develop ophthalmic formulations based on personalized medicine and focused on the individual needs of each patient. In addition, there is a search for new formulations that minimize iatrogenesis, patient discomfort, and costs. In recent decades, several technological approaches based on nano- and microtechnology, in situ hydrogel systems, implants, or inserts have proven to be powerful tools for more efficient delivery of active substances to both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. The biomaterials used to prepare these systems must be highly biocompatible with the delicate ocular structures. In this sense, biodegradable drug delivery systems are generally preferred as they disappear from the administration site once they have released their content. In addition, from a technological point of view, there are still important issues to address and resolve, such as sterilization of these systems or their long-term stability and storage. This Special Issue is open to original research articles, review articles, or mini-reviews in this field covering technological, methodological, pharmacological (in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo), or biochemical approaches to biodegradable ophthalmic formulations for the treatment of ocular pathology, but also for a potential application for early diagnosis.

Dr. Irene Bravo-Osuna
Dr. María Jesús Rodrigo Sanjuán
Guest Editors

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