Optimizing fluconazole-embedded transfersomal gel for enhanced antifungal activity and compatibility studies

Fungal infections are of major concern all over the globe, and fluconazole is the most prevalently used drug to treat it. The goal of this research work was to formulate a fluconazole-embedded transfersomal gel for the treatment of fungal infections. A compatibility study between fluconazole and soya lecithin was performed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Transfersomes were formulated by a thin-film hydration technique using soya lecithin and Span 80. A central composite design was adopted to prepare different formulations. Soya lecithin and Span 80 were chosen as independent variables, and the effect of these variables was studied on in vitro drug diffusion. Formulations were evaluated for entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug diffusion. The results of in vitro drug diffusion were analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Optimized formulation was prepared based on the overlay plot and evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, DSC, vesicle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and in vitro drug diffusion studies. An optimized formulation was loaded into xanthan gum gel base and evaluated for pH, viscosity, in vitro and ex vivo drug diffusion, and antifungal activity. DSC studies revealed compatibility between fluconazole and soya lecithin. Entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug diffusion of various formulations ranged between 89.92% ± 0.20% to 97.28% ± 0.42% and 64% ± 1.56% to 85% ± 2.05%, respectively. A positive correlation was ob...
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research