Introduction

Ocular inflammation poses a significant challenge in ophthalmology, encompassing a wide range of inflammatory diseases [1,2]. These symptoms may affect various ocular structures, including the conjunctiva, cornea, sclera, orbit, adnexa, and ocular surface [3]. The occurrence of such symptoms can lead to conjunctivitis, uveitis, and keratitis [4], which may cause discomfort, vision impairment, and even permanent damage if left untreated [5]. Such diseases can be treated with traditional therapies, including topical corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, these medications frequently cause adverse effects, including ocular surface toxicity and elevated intraocular pressure [6,7]. Consequently, there is a need to develop new treatment methods that improve drug delivery to the eye while reducing side effects. In this context, polymeric films have emerged as a promising option due to their ability to minimize systemic absorption, increase corneal contact time, and enable continuous medication delivery [8,9].

In recent years, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and chitosan (CS) have emerged as biocompatible polymers with significant potential for various biomedical applications [10]. In combination, they create a composite material that is both diverse and promising, with distinct features that make it a desirable option for developing eye therapy modalities. PVA is a synthetic, water-soluble, non-toxic polymer with properties that make it an excellent choice for emulsifying and film-forming applications. Additionally, PVA's high elastic strength, inertness, and flexibility have enabled its application in food packaging and medical delivery devices. PVA can enhance the compatibility of biopolymers within the chitosan-starch film structure, thereby improving mechanical properties [11]. In a related work, Abraham et al. (2016) showed that combining PVA and chitosan with a cross-linking agent can enhance the films' tensile and thermal characteristics [12]. CS is an ideal biopolymer for film fabrication for biomedical applications owing to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity. However, CS is a rigid-chain polymer, yielding stiff films that readily rupture or tear in real-world conditions [12,13]. The most effective method for enhancing the performance of CS films under these conditions is to combine them with a polar biodegradable polymer, such as PVA. Furthermore, CS exhibits notable antibacterial activity, making it a viable material for a range of pharmaceutical, food, and medical applications. Chitosan's distinct chemical structure and interactions with microbial cells are responsible for its antibacterial effect [14].

This work in the emerging field focuses on developing and testing a new ocular drug delivery system using PVA and CS films infused with gum ghatti (GG). GG, a natural biopolymer and Indian gum, is widely used in food, pharmaceutical, and other industries for its excellent thickening and emulsifying properties [15]. It is a complex non-starch polysaccharide composed of D-mannose, D-galactose, L-arabinose, and D-glucuronic acid [16]. GG was incorporated into the PVA-CS matrix to enhance mucoadhesion, ocular retention, and the duration of drug release. Its biocompatibility and biodegradability make it suitable for ocular delivery [17,18]. Subsequently, we described the film formulation process and the characterization methods used to evaluate its properties. The drug-release study used moxifloxacin as a model drug, selected for its proven effectiveness against bacterial eye infections such as keratitis and conjunctivitis and its potential anti-inflammatory effects [19]. This comprehensive analysis will elucidate the therapeutic potential of our innovative ocular medication-delivery technology to reduce inflammation and promote ocular health.