The Effect of Topical Curcumin Nanoparticles Encapsulated with β- Cyclodextrin into Hyaluronic Acid-Based Hydrogel Complex on Experimental Ulcerative Keratitis in Comparison with N-Acetylcysteine in Rabbit Model

Corneal ulcers, whether melting or indolent, are common in humans and companion animals. Treatment involves local administration of antibiotic eye drops and corneal healing drugs. Compared to traditional treatments for ulcerative keratitis, herbal medicines have unique advantages, such as potent anti-inflammatory effects and inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines. Curcumin, extracted from the Curcuma Longa plant, possesses extensive pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties, and is used in various medicines. In this study, using a formulation of Curcumin NPs encapsulated with β-cyclodextrin and hyaluronic acid, an ophthalmic drop hydrogel was developed to accelerate corneal healing and improve the quality of healed structures. The formation of Curcumin NPs into Hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), zeta, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses. A total of 25 healthy male New Zealand Albino rabbits were experimentally induced with ulcerative keratitis and treated individually with topical medication. Rabbits were divided into five groups. Fluorescein dye staining, corneal clarity score, Schirmer tear test, proinflammatory cytokine measurement, and pathologic factors assessments were used to evaluate the optimised Curcumin NPs with β-cyclodextrin in Hyaluronic acid hydrogel. Intriguingly, the frequency of administering medication is reduced compared to conventional therapies, which enhances the quality of healed structures and harnesses ulcerative keratitis. ( p <0.05) All findings in this study provide new insight into designing and fabricating novel ophthalmic medicine for ulcerative keratitis for topical usage.