ADVANCED HYDROGELS BASED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR OPHTHALMIC DELIVERY.
Hydrogels are aqueous gels composed of cross linked networks of hydrophilic polymers. Stimuli responsive based hydrogels have gained focus over the past 20 years for treating ophthalmic diseases. Different stimuli responsive mechanisms are involved in forming polymer hydrogel networks, including change in temperature, pH, ions, and other includes light, thrombin, pressure, antigen, and glucose responsive. Incorporation of nanocarriers with these smart stimuli responsive drug delivery systems can extend the duration of action by increasing ocular bioavailability and reduces dosing frequency. This review focus on the hydrogel drug delivery systems highlighting the gelling mechanisms and emerging stimuli responsive hydrogels from preformed gels, nanogels, and the role of advanced 3D printed hydrogels in vision threatening diseases like age related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. It also provides insight into the limitations of hydrogels along with the safety and biocompatibility of the hydrogel drug delivery systems.
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