초록 |
In this study, we investigated poloxamer 407 (P407), a representative thermo-reversible hydrogel, as an injectable hydrogel formulation for intratympanic delivery of dexamethasone (DEX), an anti-inflammatory drug. Hydrophobic DEX was introduced to P407 hydrogels by different loading methods. DEX-loaded P407 hydrogels were characterized in terms of thermogelation, drug loading content and efficiency, particle size, and drug release. The P407 hydrogel could effectively solubilized the hydrophobic DEX and demonstrated a sustained release compared to the free DEX. The in vivo study showed that our formulation delivered a considerably higher drug concentrations to the inner ear showing favorable safety profile without any apparent cytotoxicity or inflammation in the middle and inner ear. Taken together, P407 could be useful as an injectable hydrogel formulation for inner ear delivery due to their high drug solubilization effect, thermosensitivity, and high drug loading capacity. |