Antiseptics and the Ocular Surface: In VitroAntimicrobial Activity and Effects on Conjunctivaland Corneal Epithelial Cells of a New Liposomal Ocular Spray Containing Biosecur Citrus Extract

Introduction

The overuse of antibiotics in the treatment and prophylaxis of ocular infections has resulted in the increase of antibiotic resistance on bacterial strains that are the most common cause of ophthalmic infection. Therefore, there is growing research interest in antiseptics in ophthalmology. However, antiseptics can be toxic to the ocular surface, especially at high concentrations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of Oftasecur on bacterial strains that are among the most common causes of ocular infections and its effects on cultured human corneal and conjunctival cells. Oftasecur is active at dilutions between 1:2 and 1:16 and shows bactericidal effect against all microorganisms tested, including the two antibiotic-resistant strains of S. aureus and S. epidermidis. The finding that the product is active up to 1:16 dilutions, depending on the microorganisms considered, suggests that it may also be effective when administered in vivo, where dilution into the tear film always occurs. Oftasecur showed rapid and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, with a promising in vitro tolerability profile.

The Oftasecur formulation has shown good epithelium-compatibility with regard to its in vitro effects on cells of the corneo-conjunctival epithelium.

Oftasecur showed rapid bactericidal and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity with a safe in vitro cell tolerability profile.

Oftasecur is an eye spray based on BIOSECUR® Liposomes and Hypromellose.