c



All the above formulated ocular films were evaluated for their average weight and weight
variation, thickness, moisture content, drug content and invitro drug release.


 


 

as weight variation between the formulated films can lead to difference in drug content and
invitro behaviour, a study was carried out by weighing 5 films in an electronic balance. The
average weight of a film and its standard deviations were calculated by using the following
formulas.

Average weight of each film = total weight of 5 films

¦

Standard deviation (ı) =


x = weight of individual film (g)

X = average weight (g)

!
!  


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Thickness of the film is an important factor while considering its drug release from ocular
delivery systems. If the thickness varies from one film to another, the drug release from the
film also vary. So it is a must to keep the thickness of the constant to get reproducible results.

In the present study, the thickness of the formulated films were determined by using a dial
calliper (mitutoyo, japan). The thickness was measured at five different places and the mean
value was calculated.

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A formulated film having 0.65cm2 surface area was dissolved in methanol in a 100ml
volumetric flask. The contents were shaken for 24hrs. The volume was made up 100ml and
thoroughly mixed, 1ml was withdrawn and diluted to 10ml by using pH 7.4 phosphate buffer,
filtered and analysed spectrophotometrically at 276nm. Same procedure was followed for
blank ocular insert containing no drug with same additives.

·

Drug content =
100


A = expression factor
è

  

 
Ëoisture uptake can influence the mechanical strength and the drug release of the ocular
insert therapeutic systems. Therefore in the present study determination of the moisture
uptake was done at 79.5% RH, which was attained by keeping a saturated of the ammonium
chloride in a closed dessicator. Initially the films were weighed and then kept at 79.5%RH for
five days and reweighed. The percentage moisture content of the film was calculated by the
following formula.

·
 

·
 
% moisture content = 100
·
 

 


 
In order to determine the drug release from the formulated ocular films, a study was
conducted using a franz diffusion cell.

 


The franz diffusion cell consist of two compartments, the donor and the receptor
compartment. The donor compartment was in contact with ambient condition of atmosphere.
The receptor compartment, has an effective volume of 10ml and an effective surface area for
permeation 0.65cm2. The receptor cell consists of an outer jacket with an outlet and inlet
arrangement to permit the flow of water maintained at 37 1 . The solution in receptor
compartment is stirred by a rod shaped magnetic bead driven by a synchronous motor.
Samples can be withdrawn through a sampling port connected to the receptor compartment.
Both these compartments were held together by using an elastic rubber band.

c

 



Rommercial semi permeable membrane of transparent and regenerated cellusose type was
tied to one end of open cylinder which acted as donor compartment. An ocusert was placed
inside this compartment. The semi permeable membrane acted as corneal epithelium. The
membrane was in contact of the receptor compartment was stirred continuously using a
magnetic stirrer. The samples of 1ml were withdrawn from the receptor compartment at
intervals of 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,10,16,20, and 24hrs and automatically replaced by equal volume of
pH 7.4 phosphate buffer. The samples were analysed spectrophotometrically at 276nm for
drug content. The above procedure was used for all the remaining formulations.