Native/modified dextran-based nanogel in delivering drug and management of ocular complications: a review

Abstract

Ocular nanogels have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach, and nanotechnology has speed up the growth of the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors. The physiological and anatomical barriers of the eye limit the use of traditional ocular preparations, which leads to low drug bioavailability and a brief retention period. This presents a serious problem for patients, doctors, and chemists. Nevertheless, nanogels can encapsulate medications within three-dimensional crosslinked polymeric networks and provide controlled and prolonged drug delivery by using particular structural layouts and unique preparation techniques, improving therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. Dextran and its variants, a naturally occurring polysaccharide, have drawn a lot of interest in developing delivery systems for use in pharmaceutical and medical applications. Many dextran-based delivery systems with customized geometries and features have been fabricated recently, such as hydrogels, nanogels, magnetic nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, self-assembled micelles and nanoparticles, and microparticles. The review presents advancement and therapeutic potential of dextran-based nanogels for the treatment of various eye conditions, such as cataract, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, age-related macular degeneration, and corneal ulcers. Moreover, the process for development and assessing these nanomedicines, emphasizing their safety and effectiveness as established by preclinical, toxicological, clinical assessments, and patent updates, has been elaborated.

Keywords: dextran; dextran-based nanogels; nanotechnology; ocular diseases; ophthalmic drug delivery.