Ion-Sensitive Gellan Gum–Arabinogalactan Hydrogels for Ocular Delivery in Dry Eye Disease

Abstract

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder that affects a significant portion of the population, leading to discomfort, visual disturbances, and potential damage to the ocular surface. The need for effective drug delivery systems to treat DED has driven the development of novel formulations that can enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. In this study, we explore the potential of ionsensitive gellan gum (GG) and arabinogalactan (AG) hydrogels as a promising ocular delivery system for dry eye disease. The combination of GG and AG forms a biocompatible, biodegradable hydrogel that responds to changes in ionic strength, allowing for controlled drug release at the ocular site. The hydrogel formulation was evaluated for its physical properties, including gelation time, viscosity, and swelling behavior, as well as its drug release kinetics using model drugs commonly used in DED therapy. In vitro cytotoxicity studies confirmed the non-toxic nature of the hydrogels to human corneal epithelial cells. In vivo studies demonstrated enhanced ocular retention time and improved therapeutic outcomes in DED models compared to conventional eye drops. The results of this study suggest that ionsensitive GG-AG hydrogels may offer a novel, effective, and patientfriendly approach for the treatment of dry eye disease, providing prolonged drug delivery and improved ocular comfort.