Development of a SustainableGel System for Ocular Delivery of-Coumaric Acid for Corneal Wound Healing.

Abstract

Corneal injuries are a leading cause of vision impairment, yet current therapies provide limited benefit due to poor ocular bioavailability and rapid drug clearance. To address this challenge, we developed a pH-sensitivegel of-coumaric acid (pCA) for sustained ocular delivery and enhanced wound healing.studies on SIRC cells identified 80 μg/mL pCA as a safe and effective concentration for supporting viability and migration. The optimized gel, formulated with Carbopol 940 and HPMC K100 M using central composite design, exhibited rapid gelation at ocular pH, pseudoplastic rheology, suitable zeta potential, and high entrapment efficiency (85.95%). FESEM confirmed pH-triggered sol-gel transition, whilerelease demonstrated sustained delivery for 12 h (92.62% cumulative release). Safety was verified through RBC lysis, CAM, goat corneal histology, and rabbit eye irritation tests, all showing no adverse effects.evaluation in a rat corneal alkali burn model confirmed accelerated wound healing. This system offers a safe, biocompatible, and effective ocular therapy for corneal wounds.