Preparation of Timolol Maleate Loaded Gelatin Nanoparticles as Ophthalmic Drug Delivery System

Timolol Maleate is a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent. It is indicated in the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension or openangle glaucoma.is indicated in the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with ocularhypertension or open-angle glaucoma. Gelatin is a natural macromolecule obtained from collagen. It is widely used in the preparation of nanoparticulate drug delivery systems. The main aim of this study was to prepare and characterize timolol loaded gelatin nanoparticles applicable in ophthalmic drug delivery. Methods: Gelatin nanoparticles were prepared by desolvation method. Desolvation was occurred in solution containing timolol maleate by addition of ethyl alcohol that loading is happened during preparation of the nanoparticles. Gelatin in the nanoparticles was crosslinked by adding glutaraldehyde and separated by both centrifugation and filtration. The influence of a number of preparation parameters on the particle properties was investigated. Particles size and distribution, SEM, and release from the nanoparticles were studied. Results and discussion:Gelatin nanoparticels were successfully prepared by the method. An influence of the pH during particle preparation on the size was observed. A high timololmaleate entrapment was established. Compared to the aqueous drug solutions, a sustained release for the drugwas observed.The release kinetics of timolol maleate is close to zero order, and no significant differences were measured between the various preparations

کلیدواژه ها:

Timolol maleate ، Gelatin ، Nanoparticles ، Desolvation