Optimized Nanosponges for Topical Delivery of Posaconazole: A Promising Approach for Enhanced Antifungal Therapy
Shrikrishna M Naik
Department of Pharmaceutics, KLE College of Pharmacy, II Block Rajajinagar, Bengaluru,560010, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, 590010, Karnataka, India.
Anasuya Patil
*
Department of Pharmaceutics, KLE College of Pharmacy, II Block Rajajinagar, Bengaluru,560010, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, 590010, Karnataka, India.
Taaniya Javalkar
Department of Pharmaceutics, KLE College of Pharmacy, II Block Rajajinagar, Bengaluru,560010, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, 590010, Karnataka, India.
Sharath T P
Department of Pharmaceutics, KLE College of Pharmacy, II Block Rajajinagar, Bengaluru,560010, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, 590010, Karnataka, India.
Yashwanth S
Department of Pharmaceutics, KLE College of Pharmacy, II Block Rajajinagar, Bengaluru,560010, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, 590010, Karnataka, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: To enhance the topical delivery of posaconazole (PCZ) through the development of a nanosponge-based hydrogel system.
Objective: To formulate and evaluate a Carbopol 934-based hydrogel containing optimized nanosponge (F6) for improved drug encapsulation, sustained release, and antifungal efficacy.
Methods: The optimized nanosponge formulation (F6) was incorporated into a Carbopol 934 hydrogel. The resulting system was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Physicochemical evaluations including pH, viscosity, and in vitro drug release were performed. The results were compared with a hydrogel formulation containing pure PCZ.
Results: FTIR and DSC confirmed successful encapsulation of PCZ within the nanosponge matrix without chemical incompatibility. SEM analysis showed uniform nanosponge distribution. The nanosponge-loaded hydrogel exhibited suitable pH and viscosity for topical application and demonstrated significantly improved sustained drug release compared to the pure PCZ hydrogel.
Conclusion: The nanosponge-based hydrogel system offers a promising approach for enhancing the topical delivery of PCZ. It showed improved drug retention, reduced dosing frequency, and potential for enhanced patient compliance, making it a suitable candidate for treating fungal skin infections.
Keywords: Nanosponges, topical delivery, posaconazole, antifungal therapy, FTIR and DSC