Development of miconazole nitrate nanoparticles loaded in nanoemulgel to improve its antifungal activity

Miconazole is a synthetic derivative of imidazole, a medication with a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that is used to treat localized vaginal, skin, and nail infections. The aim of the study was to develop an innovative technique to improve the permeability and efficacy of topical miconazole nitrate. A nanoemulgel of miconazole nitrate was formulated by the incorporation of a nanoemulsion and a hydrogel. The nanoemulsion was first optimized using a self-emulsifying technique, and the drug was then loaded into the optimum formulation and evaluated prior to mixing with the hydrogel. Miconazole nitrate nanoemulgel formulations were evaluated for their physical characteristics and antifungal activity. Based on the results, the formulation with 0.4 % Carbopol showed the highest release profile (41.8 mg/ml after 2 h); thus, it was chosen as the optimum formulation. A cell diffusion test was performed to examine the ability of the Miconazole nitrate nanoemulgel to penetrate the skin and reach the bloodstream. Percentage cumulative drug releases of 29.67 % and 23.79 % after 6 h were achieved for the MNZ nanoemulgel and the commercial cream, Daktazol, respectively. The antifungal activity of the novel MNZ nanoemulgel formulation was tested against Candida albicans and compared to Daktazol cream and almond oil; the results were: 40.9 ± 2.3 mm, 25.4 ± 2.7 mm and 18 ± 1.9 mm, respectively. In conclusion, a novel MNZ nanoemulgel showing superior antifungal activity compared to that of the commercial product has been developed. This nanotechnology technique is a step toward making pharmaceutical dosage forms that has a lot of promise.