Cross-linked thermosensitive nanohydrogels for ocular drug delivery with a prolonged residence time and enhanced bioavailability

Highlights: • Composite nanohydrogels (NPs-gel) is an intelligent drug delivery system with temperature response. • Compared with pure gel, NPs-gel made of nanoparticles and gel materials has better adhesion and mechanical strength. • NPs-gel further improve the ocular delivery of drugs, with good bioavailability and non-toxic to the eye. A temperature-triggered, cross-linked nano hydrogel formulation (NPs-gel) was prepared to prolong the residence time of dexamethasone (DXM) in the eye and increase its bioavailability.