Dermal Formulation Incorporating Isoconazole Nitrate Nanoparticles Offers High Absorption into Skin and Antimicrobial...

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Dermatology
• Mycology

Background:

• Isoconazole nitrate (ISN) is an antifungal agent targeting ergosterol synthesis.
• Improving ISN skin retention and permeability can enhance therapeutic efficacy for candidiasis.
• Nanoparticle formulation aims to optimize ISN topical delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an isoconazole nitrate nanoparticle (ISN-NP) gel for improved topical delivery.
• To assess the antifungal activity and skin permeation of the ISN-NP gel.
• To compare the performance of ISN-NP gel with microparticle-based gels.

Main Methods:

• Isoconazole nitrate nanoparticles (ISN-NPs) were prepared using wet-bead milling with methylcellulose.
• ISN-NPs were incorporated into a Carbopol hydrogel.
• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) measured ISN concentration.
• In vivo studies used Wistar rats for skin absorption and *Candida albicans* for antifungal activity.

Main Results:

• The ISN-NP gel showed stable nanoparticles with a size distribution of 60-220 nm.
• ISN-NP gel demonstrated superior antifungal activity against *Candida albicans*.
• Compared to ISN-MP gels, ISN-NP gel exhibited 1.54-fold enhanced drug release and 1.7-fold increased transdermal permeation.

Conclusions:

• Incorporating ISN nanoparticles into a Carbopol gel is a promising strategy for enhancing topical delivery of poorly water-soluble ISN.
• The nanogel system offers a valuable platform for transdermal delivery in clinical applications.
• This formulation improves the therapeutic efficacy of isoconazole nitrate for topical antifungal treatment.