Formulation And Evaluation Of Itraconazole Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles For Tinea Cruris:A Promising Approach To Combat Antifungal Drug Resistance

Abstract

A fungal infection of the skin is among the most prevalent dermatological conditions worldwide. When used topically, gel formulations are among the best dose forms for treating skin infections. A promising method to reach the deeper layers of the skin and improve itraconazole (ITZ) permeability through the stratum corneum is nanotechnology. The production of ITZ-loaded nanoparticles (ITZ NPs) was accomplished through the evaporation emulsion method, and subsequently, these nanoparticles were integrated into a gel utilizing Carbopol 934 as the gelling agent. ITZ NP gel's physical characteristics, in vitro release, ex vivo penetration tests, and antifungal activity were all described. ITZ NPs had colloidal diameters between 200 nm and exhibited a nearly spherical form. The effectiveness of drug encapsulation was 98:79 ± 1:24%. Compared to a gel containing an ITZ-saturated suspension, ITZ NP gel showed a longer ex vivo penetration of ITZ over a 24-hour period via excised rat skin and a greater drug-penetrating capacity. The ITZ-loaded NP integrated gel exhibited superior in vitro antifungal activity compared to the ITZ dispersion. Through transdermal drug administration, the ITZ-loaded nanosystem integrated into gel may improve antifungal activity.