Preparation and Evaluation of Biodegradable Ocular Inserts of Timolol Maleate

Ocular inserts are sterile, thin, multilayered, drug-impregnated solid or semi-solid devices, made of polymeric materials. Bio-erodible ocular inserts are formed by bio-erodible polymers (e.g., cross-linked gelatine derivatives, polyester derivatives) which undergo hydrolysis of chemical bonds and hence dissolution. Bio-erodible ocular inserts are formed by bio-erodible polymers (e.g., cross-linked gelatine derivatives, polyester derivatives) which undergo hydrolysis of chemical bonds and hence dissolution. All prepared ocular films have good appearance with smooth surface. A good weight uniformity of all formulation indicates an equal distribution of polymers in the inserts film prepared by solvent evaporation technique. The surface pH of the prepared inserts were found in between 6.3 to 7.1 indicating that the inserts did not have an irritation potential as the pH is within the accepted ocular range. Good uniformity in the drug content among the batches was observed for all the formulations. All formulations prepared were subjected to in vitro release study to ensure the effect of polymer concentration.