Abstract:
The aim of this study was to explore the potential of proniosomal gel for topical delivery
of fluconazole, an antifungal drug used in fungal infections caused by pathogenic fungi.
Fluconazole-loaded proniosomal gels were prepared by the coacervation phase separation
method using different nonionic surfactants (spans and tweens). The prepared fluconazole
proniosomal gels were evaluated for various parameters such as particle size (PS), drug
entrapment efficiency percentage (EE%), and in vitro drug release. The experimental
results showed that the EE% for the prepared formulae are acceptable (85.14%–97.66%)
and they are nanosized (19.8–50.1 nm) and the diffusion from the gels gave the desired
sustaining effect. F4, which was prepared from span 60, tween 80 (1:1), and cholesterol
showed highest EE% and gave slow release (40.50% ± 1.50% after 6 h), was subjected
to zeta potential (ZP) test, transmission electron microscopy as well as microbiological
study. The results showed a well-defined spherical vesicle with sharp boundaries with
good physical stability of fluconazole within the prepared gel. Moreover, F4 showed an
excellent microbiological activity represented by a greater zone of inhibition (5.3 cm)
compared to control gel (fluconazole in 2% hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) gel
formula) (4.2 cm) and plain gel with no drug (0 cm) against Candida albicans. This study
showed the suitability of the proniosomal gel in attaining the desired sustainment effect
for topical delivery of fluconazole for the management of fungal infection. The physical
stability study showed that there was no significant change in EE%, PS, and ZP of
fluconazole proniosomal gel after storage for 6 months.