Vildís Kristín Rúnarsdóttir, Guðjón Bjarki Hildarson and Helga Helgadóttir
Introduction
Ophthalmia neonatorum (ON) infections are common in low- and middle-income countries, primarily due to symptomless sexually transmitted pathogens. The challenge of combating ON infections has increased due to rising bacterial drug resistance. Recent research has focused on the antibacterial effects of monocaprin and monolaurin, derived from medium-chain fatty acids. These monoglycerides are known for their potent antimicrobial properties.
This study evaluated three different formulations of these compounds, tailored for eye use, in various ratios.
Method
Four water-based eyedrops containing monocaprin and monolaurin were formulated, along with two anhydrous formulations initially intended for skin use – one with monocaprin and capric acid, and the other with monocaprin and monolaurin. Additionally, two self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) featuring monocaprin or monolaurin were created and tested after reconstitution in MilliQ water. Eye irritation was assessed using the Epiocular Eye Irritation test (OCL-200-EIT), employing a 3D cell model of the human corneal epithelium and an MTT assay to measure cell viability and detect irritation.
Results
The results indicated that, exception for one anhydrous formulation containing capric acid, none of the formulations caused eye irritation. The water-based formulations showed good results and the results for the spray-dried formulations exhibited the best results.
Conclusion
This research highlights the promising safety profiles of several innovative formulations for treating ON. It underscores the need for continued research to address drug resistance challenges and to improve the availability of effective, safe, and accessible treatments for eye infections.
