Development and Characterization of Polymeric Films Loaded with Terbinafine for Fungal Infection Treatment

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science
• Dermatology

Background:

• Topical treatments for dermatophytosis offer targeted therapy with minimal side effects.
• Developing advanced drug delivery systems is crucial for enhancing antifungal efficacy and patient compliance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop thin, flexible, and transparent bioadhesive polymeric films containing terbinafine hydrochloride (TH) for topical antifungal treatment.
• To enhance the solubility of terbinafine hydrochloride using micellar solubilization and avoid organic solvents.

Main Methods:

• Polymeric films were fabricated using pullulan (P), oxidized pullulan (T-OP), sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC), and glycerin via casting and evaporation.
• Drug solubility was improved using micellar solubilization with Tween-80.
• Physico-chemical properties, mechanical strength, bioadhesion, and water sorption were evaluated.
• In vitro drug release kinetics were studied and analyzed using the Weibull model.

Main Results:

• FTIR and EDX analyses confirmed the absence of strong drug-polymer interactions and uniform drug distribution.
• Optimized mechanical and bioadhesive properties were observed, indicating good skin adhesion.
• In vitro studies showed prolonged drug release (80% and 60% over 300 min for F2_TH and F1_TH, respectively).
• Significant antifungal activity was demonstrated by both film formulations.

Conclusions:

• The developed bioadhesive polymeric films exhibit promising characteristics for effective topical terbinafine hydrochloride delivery.
• The study highlights a patient-friendly and potentially more effective approach to treating fungal skin infections.
• The formulation and fabrication method offer a gentle and solvent-free approach for creating antifungal topical treatments.