Solubility enhancement, formulation development and antifungal activity of luliconazole niosomal gel-based system

Comprehensive investigation of niosomal red palm wax gel encapsulating ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): Network pharmacology, molecular docking, In vitro studies and phase 1 clinical trials

Ginger, a Zingeberaceae family member, is notable for its anti-inflammatory properties. This study explores the pharmaceutical mechanisms of ginger and red palm wax co-extract, developing novel niosomal formulations for enhanced transdermal delivery. Evaluations included physical characteristics, drug loading, in vitro release, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and biocompatibility. The niosomal ginger with red palm wax gel (NGPW) exhibited non-Newtonian fluid properties. The optimized niosome formulation (cholesterol: Tween80: Span60 = 12.5: 20: 5 w/w) showed a high yield (93.23 %), high encapsulation efficiency (54.71 %), and small size (264.33 ± 5.84 nm), prolonging in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. Human skin irritation and biocompatibility tests on 1 % NGPW showed favorable cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility results (ISO10993). Network pharmacology identified potential targets, while molecular docking highlighted high affinities between gingerol and red palm wax compounds with TRPM8 and TRPV1 proteins, suggesting pain inhibition via serotonergic synapse pathways. NGPW presents a promising transdermal pain inhibitory drug delivery strategy.

Exploring Acne Treatments: From Pathophysiological Mechanisms to Emerging Therapies

Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological condition that can present across different ages but predominantly affects adolescents and young adults. Characterized by various lesion types, the pathogenesis of acne is complex, involving genetic, hormonal, microbial, and inflammatory factors. This review comprehensively addresses current and emerging acne management strategies, emphasizing both topical and systemic treatments, procedural therapies, and dietary modifications. Key topical agents include retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, and other specialized compounds. Systemic options like antibiotics, hormonal therapies, and retinoids offer significant therapeutic benefits, particularly for moderate to severe cases. Procedural treatments such as laser devices, photodynamic therapy, chemical peels, and intralesional injections present viable alternatives for reducing acne symptoms and scarring. Emerging therapies focus on novel biologics, bacteriophages, probiotics, and peptides, providing promising future options. This review underscores the importance of personalized approaches to treatment due to the multifaceted nature of acne, highlighting the potential of innovative therapies for improving patient outcomes.

Development and Optimization of Proniosomal Formulation of Irbesartan Using a Box-Behnken Design to Enhance Oral Bioavailability: Physicochemical Characterization and In Vivo Assessment

This research work aimed to develop and evaluate proniosomes for the oral delivery of the lipophilic drug Irbesartan (IRB) to improve its solubility and bioavailability. Proniosomes of Irbesartan were formulated using a lipid, surfactant, and carrier by a slurry method. Based on the prepared preliminary trial batches and their evaluation, the formulation was optimized by employing a Box-Behnken design (BBD) in which concentrations of span 60 (X1), cholesterol (X2), and mannitol (X3) were used as three independent variables and the vesicular size (VS) (Y1), % entrapment efficiency (% EE) (Y2), and % cumulative drug release (% CDR) (Y3) were used as dependent variables. The optimized batch B1 was obtained from the BBD experiment after validation of checkpoint analysis, and their characterization was done for VS, % EE, % CDR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The optimized batch showed a VS of 199 ± 5.4 nm, a % EE of 99.25 ± 2.24%, and a % CDR of 97.36 ± 1.13% at 24 h. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study showed a smooth surface of batch B1. DSC and XRD studies indicated the amorphous nature of the proniosomal formulation. The proniosomal formulation showed increased solubility (2.65 ± 0.2 mg/mL) in phosphate buffer, pH 6.8, as compared to water (0.059 ± 0.02 mg/mL). The pharmacokinetic study in rats confirmed the increased bioavailability of the drug in optimized proniosomal formulation compared with its pure drug suspension. Cmax, Tmax, and AUC0-t of the drug also increased by 2-fold compared to those of drug suspension. Thus, in conclusion, the proniosomal formulation proved to be an efficient carrier for improved oral delivery of Irbesartan by improving the solubility and bioavailability of the drug.

Current appraises of therapeutic applications of nanocurcumin: A novel drug delivery approach for biomaterials in dentistry

Curcumin is a natural herb and polyphenol that is obtained from the medicinal plant Curcuma longa. It's anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-mutagenic, antioxidant and antifungal properties can be leveraged to treat a myriad of oral and systemic diseases. However, natural curcumin has weak solubility, limited bioavailability and undergoes rapid degradation, which severely limits its therapeutic potential. To overcome these drawbacks, nanocurcumin (nCur) formulations have been developed for improved biomaterial delivery and enhanced treatment outcomes. This novel biomaterial holds tremendous promise for the treatment of various oral diseases, the majority of which are caused by dental biofilm. These include dental caries, periodontal disease, root canal infection and peri-implant diseases, as well as other non-biofilm mediated oral diseases such as oral cancer and oral lichen planus. A number of in-vitro studies have demonstrated the antibacterial efficacy of nCur in various formulations against common oral pathogens such as S. mutans, P. gingivalis and E. faecalis, which are strongly associated with dental caries, periodontitis and root canal infection, respectively. In addition, some clinical studies were suggestive of the notion that nCur can indeed enhance the clinical outcomes of oral diseases such as periodontitis and oral lichen planus, but the level of evidence was very low due to the small number of studies and the methodological limitations of the available studies. The versatility of nCur to treat a diverse range of oral diseases augurs well for its future in dentistry, as reflected by rapid pace in which studies pertaining to this topic are published in the scientific literature. In order to keep abreast of the latest development of nCur in dentistry, this narrative review was undertaken. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a contemporaneous update of the chemistry, properties, mechanism of action, and scientific evidence behind the usage of nCur in dentistry.

Formulation, optimization and characterization of raloxifene hydrochloride loaded PLGA nanoparticles by using Taguchi design for breast cancer application

Multidrug resistance in breast cancer and the associated side-effects of anticancer therapies are significant hurdles in chemotherapy-based treatment. Biodegradable polymeric nano-based targeted drug delivery technologies showed tremendous advantages in targeted local delivery with limited off-targeted side effects. Therefore, there is a persistent need to develop targeted nanomedicine systems for treatment of breast cancer. The current research attempted to develop poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles loaded with raloxifene by modified emulsification solvent diffusion evaporation method to improve oral bioavailability by using Taguchi design. It was observed that the optimized formulation (1:4 drug to polymer ratio) poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) showed a mean particle size and Polydispersity index of 218 ± 23.7 nm and 0.231 ± 0.04, respectively. The entrapment efficiency was found to be 82.30% ± 1.02%. In vitro drug delivery was found to be 92.5% ± 1.48% in 40 h. The nanoparticles were to remain stable at 2°C-8°C even after 30 days. Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy characterization techniques showed that there was no interaction between the drug and excipient. Stability studies indicate that polymeric nanoparticles were stable at 2°C-8°C after 6 months. Raloxifene nanoparticles may be the most potent targeting moieties to treat highly invasive and metastatic MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Development of Soft Luliconazole Invasomes Gel for Effective Transdermal Delivery: Optimization to In-Vivo Antifungal Activity

Luliconazole (LZ) is a good candidate for the treatment of fungal infection topically but has limitations, i.e., poor solubility and poor permeability to skin. Due to these limitations, multiple administrations for a long time are required to treat the inflection. The aim of the present study was to develop the invasomes (IVS) gel of LZ to improve the topical antifungal activity. The IVS was prepared by the thin-film hydration method and optimized by Box-Bhekhen design software. The optimized LZIVS (LZIVSopt) has 139.1 ± 4.32 nm of vesicle size, 88.21 ± 0.82% of entrapment efficiency, 0.301 ± 0.012 of PDI, and 19.5 mV (negative) of zeta potential. Scanning microscopy showed a spherical shape of the vesicle. FTIR spectra showed there is no interaction between the drug and lipid. Thermogram showed that the LZ is encapsulated into the LZIVS matrix. LZIVSopt gel (LZIVSopt-G3) exhibited optimum viscosity (6493 ± 27 cps) and significant spreadability (7.2 g·cm/s). LZIVSopt-G3 showed 2.47-fold higher permeation than pure LZ-gel. LZIVSopt-G3 did not show any edema or swelling in the skin, revealing that the developed formulation is non-irritant. LZIVSopt-G3 exhibited significant inhibition of the fungus infection (C. albicans) in the infected rats. The finding concluded that IVS gel is a good carrier and an attractive approach for the enhancement of topical delivery of LZ to treat the fungal infection.

Perspectives on cutting-edge nanoparticulate drug delivery technologies based on lipids and their applications

Numerous nanotech arenas in therapeutic biology have recently provided a scientific platform to manufacture a considerable swath of unique chemical entities focusing on drugs. Recently, nanoparticulate drug delivery systems have emerged to deliver a specific drug to a specified site. Among all other carriers, lipids possess features exclusive to nanostructured dosage forms. The bioavailability of orally administered drugs is typically negatively affected by their poor water solubility, resulting from the unique chemical moieties introduced. Because of their unique advantages, lipid nanoparticles must become increasingly predictable as a robust delivery mechanism. The enhanced biopharmaceutical properties and significance of lipid-based targeting technologies such as liposomes, niosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles and micelles are highlighted in this review. Pharmaceutical implications of lipid nanocarriers for the transport and distribution of various therapeutic agents, such as biotechnological products and small pharmaceutical molecules, is a booming topic. Lipid nanoparticles as drug delivery systems have many appealing properties, including high biocompatibility, ease of preparation, tissue specificity, avoidance of reticuloendothelial systems, delayed drug release, scale-up feasibility, nontoxicity and targeted delivery. The use of lipid nanoparticles to enhance the transport of biopharmaceuticals is currently considered state-of-the-art. Similarly, we critically examine the upcoming guidelines that therapeutic scientists should handle.

Gallic-Acid-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles: A Promising Transdermal Drug Delivery System with Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Agents

The objective of this study was to develop an innovative gallic-acid (GA) drug delivery system that could be administered transdermally, resulting in enhanced therapeutic benefits and minimal negative consequences. The method employed involved the preparation of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles loaded with GA through nanoprecipitation-denoted GA@PLGANPs. The results reveal that this strategy led to perfectly spherical, homogeneous, and negatively charged particles, which are suitable for administration via skin patches or ointments. A further analysis indicates that these GA@PLGANPs exhibit remarkable antioxidant activity as well as potent antibacterial effects against a diverse range of microorganisms, making them ideal candidates for numerous applications. Additionally, it has been observed that these nanoparticles can effectively mitigate oxidative stress while also significantly inhibiting microbial growth by exerting detrimental effects on bacterial cell walls or membranes. In conclusion, on the basis of the findings presented in this study, there is strong evidence supporting the potential use of GA@PLGANPs as an effective therapy option with reduced side effects compared to conventional drug delivery methods.

Nanocrystals as an emerging nanocarrier for the management of dermatological diseases

Skin conditions are amongst the most prevalent health issues in the world and come with a heavy economic, social, and psychological burden. Incurable and chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections are linked to major morbidity in the manner of physical pain and a reduction in quality life of patients. Several drugs have difficulties for penetrating the skin due to the barrier mechanism of the skin layers and the incompatible physicochemical characteristics of the drugs. This has led to the introduction of innovative drug delivery methods. Currently, formulations depend on nanocrystals have indeed been researched for topical administration of drugs and have resulted in enhanced skin penetration. This review focuses on skin penetration barriers, modern methods to enhance topical distribution, and the use of nanocrystals to overcome these barriers. By means of mechanisms such as adherence to skin, creation of diffusional corona, targeting of hair follicles, and the generation of a greater concentration gradient throughout the skin, nanocrystals could enhance transport across the skin. Scientists working on product formulations incorporating chemicals that are "challenging-to-deliver" topically may find the most current findings to be of relevance.

Approaches for designing and delivering solid lipid nanoparticles of distinct antitubercular drugs

Tuberculosis (TB) is still the biggest infectious disease among adults globally, which effects the social and biological lives of patients as well as the economic liability of healthcare systems. Current treatment regime has challenges with drug resistant (MDR/XDR) strains and the failure of standard therapeutic interventions against these TB strains. In the recent years, several nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems developed (including lipid-based) with anti-tuberculosis drugs via targeted delivery to improve the therapeutic outcomes. In this review, we attempt to summarize on the composition of the reported solid lipid-based particles (SLNPs), their various production methodologies, and properties of the delivery system, and their influence on cellular and pharmacokinetic aspects are also discussed. Besides, we have highlighted anti-TB drugs delivering via lipid-based systems have shown promising outcomes, however clinical translation of such systems is still under investigation. Based on recent advancements and reports, it is recommended that future efforts be made to accelerate the translational development of lipid-based nanocarriers to improve TB treatment.

Site-Specific Evaluation of Bioactive Coumarin-Loaded Dendrimer G4 Nanoparticles against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a foremost treatment challenge in today's clinical practice. Natural coumarins contain a variety of bioactivities and have the ability to alter resistance in several ways. In developing effective drug delivery methods, the goal is to maximize biocompatibility while minimizing toxicity. With this in mind, this work investigated the site-specific potential of dendrimer G4 poloxamer nanoparticles loaded with bioactive coumarin. The goal of the current work is to deliver a complete evaluation of dendrimer G4 poloxamer nanoparticles against MRSA. Coumarin-loaded dendrimer G4 poloxamer nanoparticles were thoroughly investigated and characterized using various techniques, including particle size, shape, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, hemolysis assay, cytotoxicity, antibacterial activity, and bactericidal kinetics. Studies showed that the newly developed dendrimer G4 poloxamer nanoparticles exhibited significantly lower levels of hemolysis and cytotoxicity. The results showed that the in vitro drug release of coumarin from dendrimer G4 poloxamer nanoparticles was slower compared to coumarin in its free form. This innovative therapeutic delivery technology may enhance the defense of coumarin against MRSA.

Development of a Luliconazole Nanoemulsion as a Prospective Ophthalmic Delivery System for the Treatment of Fungal Keratitis: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

Luliconazole (LCZ), a novel imidazole drug, has broad-spectrum and potential antifungal effects, which makes it a possible cure for fungal keratitis; nevertheless, its medical use in ocular infections is hindered by its poor solubility. The purpose of this study was to design and optimize LCZ nanoemulsion (LCZ-NE) formulations using the central composite design-response surface methodology, and to investigate its potential in improving bioavailability following ocular topical administration. The LCZ-NE formulation was composed of Capryol 90, ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil, Transcutol^® P and water. The shape of LCZ-NE was spherical and uniform, with a droplet size of 18.43 ± 0.05 nm and a low polydispersity index (0.070 ± 0.008). The results of an in vitro release of LCZ study demonstrated that the LCZ-NE released more drug than an LCZ suspension (LCZ-Susp). Increases in the inhibition zone indicated that the in vitro antifungal activity of the LCZ-NE was significantly improved. An ocular irritation evaluation in rabbits showed that the LCZ-NE had a good tolerance in rabbit eyes. Ocular pharmacokinetics analysis revealed improved bioavailability in whole eye tissues that were treated with LCZ-NE, compared with those treated with LCZ-Susp. In conclusion, the optimized LCZ-NE formulation exhibited excellent physicochemical properties, good tolerance, enhanced antifungal activity and bioavailability in eyes. This formulation would be safe, and shows promise in effectively treating ocular fungal infections.

Development of Gum-Acacia-Stabilized Silver Nanoparticles Gel of Rutin against Candida albicans

Candida spp. is one of the most causative pathogens responsible for fungal infections. It is often a hospital-acquired form of sepsis with a very high number of deaths. Currently, the most effective anti-fungal agents are based on polyenes or echinocandins. However, long-term treatments or repeated use of these anti-fungals lead to therapy limitations. Current research is urgently needed to overcome existing challenges for antimicrobials from natural sources. This study aims to determine the anti-fungal activity of rutin, which has the advantage of increasing the therapeutic value. Because of its low solubility in water and oils, rutin is limited in use. To address these constraints, we encapsulated rutin in a nanocarrier system. Silver nanoparticles (SNPs) and gum acacia (GAs) are emerging as attractive components and are widely studied as biologically safe nanomaterials/carrier systems for various drugs. Still, they are barely investigated as nano-sized vectors for the targeted delivery of rutin. In the present work, GA stabilised SNPs of rutin were successfully formulated and evaluated. It was later incorporated into carbapol 940 gels and formed SNP gels. Rutin-SNPs were developed with a consistent size in the nano range of 59.67 ± 44.24 nm in size, 0.295 ± 0.014 polydispersity index (PDI), and −11.2 ± 6.66 mV zeta potential. The drug released was found to be 81. 26 ± 4.06% in 600 min by following zero-order kinetics. The rutin-SNP gel showed considerable activity against C. albicans skin candidiasis at MIC 1.56 g/mL. The developed formulation was biocompatible. This first-ever interdisciplinary study suggests that the rutin-SNPs gel could play a vital role in drug resistance in this fungal pathogen.

Luliconazole Nail Lacquer for the Treatment of Onychomycosis: Formulation, Characterization and In Vitro and Ex Vivo Evaluation

Onychomycosis is the most common fungal infection of the nail affecting the skin under the fingertips and the toes. Currently, available therapy for onychomycosis includes oral and topical therapies, either alone or in combination. Oral antifungal medication has been associated with poor drug bioavailability and potential gastrointestinal and systemic side effects. The objective of this study was to prepare and evaluate the luliconazole nail lacquer (LCZ-NL) for the effective treatment of onychomycosis. In the current work, LCZ-NL was formulated in combination with penetration enhancers to overcome poor penetration. A 3² full factorial formulation design of experiment (DOE) was applied for optimization of batches with consideration of dependent (drying time, viscosity, and rate of drug diffusion) and independent (solvent ratio and film former ratio) variables. The optimized formulation was selected based on drying time, viscosity, and rate of drug diffusion. The optimized formulation was further evaluated for % non-volatile content assay, smoothness of flow, water resistance, drug content, scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), in vitro drug release, ex vivo transungual permeation, antifungal efficacy, and stability study. The optimized LCZ-NL contained 70:30 solvent ratio and 1:1 film former ratio and was found to have ~ 1.79-fold higher rate of drug diffusion in comparison with LULY™. DSC and XRD studies confirmed that luliconazole retains its crystalline property in the prepared formulation. Antifungal study against Trichophyton spp. showed that LCZ-NL has comparatively higher growth inhibition than LULY™. Hence, developed LCZ-NL can be a promising topical drug delivery system for treating onychomycosis.

Sustained transdermal delivery of human growth hormone from niosomal gel: in vitro and in vivo studies

Human growth hormone (hGH) is widely used to treat several diseases for decades. However, the current treatment regime requires frequent injections via subcutaneous route due to short in vivo half-life, which leads to pain and poor patient compliance. In this study, a novel transdermal (non-invasive) hGH loaded niosomes gel was prepared to reduce the frequency of subcutaneous injections and to improve the patient compliance. Niosomes were prepared by film hydration technique at three levels of cholesterol. The particle size and entrapment efficiency increases with an increase in the level of cholesterol. Transmission electron microscopy images confirmed the spherical shape of niosomes without aggregation. Texture profiles analysis indicates that the niosomal gel has the required mechanical properties for transdermal application. The ex vivo permeation profile showed sustain hGH release for 4 days from the niosomal gel compared to 24 h from the control gel without niosomes. A rabbit skin irritation study showed no sign of irritation after application of niosomal gel. The pharmacokinetic parameters in the rat model showed 7.22-fold higher bioavailability with niosomal gel compared to control gel. In conclusion, the study demonstrated the potential of niosomal gel as an effective long-term sustained release strategy for hGH delivery to replace traditional subcutaneous injections.

A state-of-the-art review on the recent advances of niosomes as a targeted drug delivery system

The buildup of nonionic surfactants in the aqueous environment produces niosomes. The usage of niosomes is becoming increasingly frequent due to their sustainability, low cost of components and assembly, large-scale manufacture, and, finally, easy maintenance of the niosomes to the other. Because of their nonionic characteristics, niosomes play a critical role in medication delivery systems. Controlled release and targeted distribution of niosomes to treat cancer, infectious illnesses, and other disorders are one of their most important properties. Niosomes can also be injected by ocular and transdermal routes, which are less common than oral and parenteral administration. Using niosomes to manufacture biotechnology goods and novel vaccines is one of the most exciting research fields today. The molecular structure of niosomes, the physicochemical characteristics of nonionic surfactants in their formulation, the influence of external stimuli on niosomes, the many methods of niosomes administration, and their diverse therapeutic qualities are all explored in this study.

Formulation and Evaluation of Topical Nano-Lipid-Based Delivery of Butenafine: In Vitro Characterization and Antifungal Activity

The present research work was designed to prepare butenafine (BN)-loaded bilosomes (BSs) by the thin-film hydration method. BN is a sparingly water-soluble drug having low permeability and bioavailability. BSs are lipid-based nanovesicles used to entrap water-insoluble drugs for enhanced permeation across the skin. BSs were prepared by the thin-film hydration method and optimized by the Box-Behnken design (BBD) using lipid (A), span 60 (B), and sodium deoxycholate (C) as independent variables. The selected formulation (BN-BSo) was converted into the gel using Carbopol 940 as a gelling agent. The prepared optimized gel (BN-BS-og) was further evaluated for the gel characterization, drug release, drug permeation, irritation, and anti-fungal study. The optimized bilosomes (BN-BSo) showed a mean vesicle size of 215 ± 6.5 nm and an entrapment efficiency of 89.2 ± 1.5%. The DSC study showed that BN was completely encapsulated in the BS lipid matrix. BN-BSog showed good viscosity, consistency, spreadability, and pH. A significantly (p < 0.05) high release (81.09 ± 4.01%) was achieved from BN-BSo compared to BN-BSog (65.85 ± 4.87%) and pure BN (17.54 ± 1.37 %). The permeation study results revealed that BN-BSo, BN-BSog, and pure BN exhibited 56.2 ± 2.7%, 39.2 ± 2.9%, and 16.6 ± 2.3%. The enhancement ratio of permeation flux was found to be 1.4-fold and 3.4-fold for the BN-BS-og and pure BN dispersion. The HET-CAM study showed that BN-BSog was found to be nonirritant as the score was found within the limit. The antifungal study revealed a significant (p < 0.05) enhanced antifungal activity against C. albicans and A. niger. The findings of the study revealed that BS is an important drug delivery system for transdermal delivery.

Amikacin potentiator activity of zinc complexed to a pyrithione derivative with enhanced solubility

Resistance to amikacin in Gram-negatives is usually mediated by the 6'-N-acetyltransferase type Ib [AAC(6')-Ib], which catalyzes the transfer of an acetyl group from acetyl CoA to the 6' position of the antibiotic molecule. A path to continue the effective use of amikacin against resistant infections is to combine it with inhibitors of the inactivating reaction. We have recently observed that addition of Zn²⁺ to in-vitro enzymatic reactions, obliterates acetylation of the acceptor antibiotic. Furthermore, when added to amikacin-containing culture medium in complex to ionophores such as pyrithione (ZnPT), it prevents the growth of resistant strains. An undesired property of ZnPT is its poor water-solubility, a problem that currently affects a large percentage of newly designed drugs. Water-solubility helps drugs to dissolve in body fluids and be transported to the target location. We tested a pyrithione derivative described previously (Magda et al. Cancer Res 68:5318–5325, 2008) that contains the amphoteric group di(ethyleneglycol)-methyl ether at position 5 (compound 5002), a modification that enhances the solubility. Compound 5002 in complex with zinc (Zn5002) was tested to assess growth inhibition of amikacin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains in the presence of the antibiotic. Zn5002 complexes in combination with amikacin at different concentrations completely inhibited growth of the tested strains. However, the concentrations needed to achieve growth inhibition were higher than those required to achieve the same results using ZnPT. Time-kill assays showed that the effect of the combination amikacin/Zn5002 was bactericidal. These results indicate that derivatives of pyrithione with enhanced water-solubility, a property that would make them drugs with better bioavailability and absorption, are a viable option for designing inhibitors of the resistance to amikacin mediated by AAC(6')-Ib, an enzyme commonly found in the clinics.

Formulation and development of tacrolimus-gellan gum nanoformulation for treatment of dry eye disease

The present study aimed at the development and evaluation of tacrolimus gellan gum nanoparticles (TGNPs) for the effective management of dry eye disease (DED) following topical application. TGNPs were developed by ionotropic gelation between gellan gum and aluminum chloride. Developed TGNPs were nanosized (274.46 ± 8.90 nm) with high % encapsulation efficiency (74.2 ± 2.4%) and loading capacity (36.14 ± 1.7%). The nanosize and spherical morphology of TGNPs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed no interaction between drug and GG. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms the conversion of crystalline tacrolimus to amorphous post encapsulation in the nanoparticle. TGNPs showed prolonged drug release throughout 12 h and higher pre-corneal retention compared to tacrolimus solution. HET-CAM studies, histopathological evaluation, and Draize test confirmed the safety of the formulation for ocular use. Further, the pharmacodynamic studies using experimental DED in rabbits showed that TGNPs are effective in treating symptoms of DED. In conclusion, topical delivery of TGNPs could hold potential for efficient management of DED.

Development, Optimization, and Evaluation of Luliconazole Nanoemulgel for the Treatment of Fungal Infection

The present study aimed to optimize luliconazole nanoemulsion using Box–Behnken statistical design, which was further incorporated into the polymeric gel of Carbopol 934. The formulation was characterized for its size, entrapment efficiency, ex vivo permeation, and mechanism of release. The size of the dispersed globules of the optimized drug-loaded nanoemulsion was found to be 17 ± 3.67 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) less than 0.5. Although the surface charge was recorded at –9.53 ± 0.251, the stability was maintained by the polymeric matrix that prevented aggregation and coalescence of the dispersed globules. The luliconazole-nanoemulgel (LUL-NEG) was characterized for drug content analysis, viscosity, pH, and refractive index, where the results were found to be 99.06 ± 0.59%, 9.26 ± 0.08 Pa.s, 5.65 ± 0.17, and 1.31 ± 0.08, respectively. The permeation across the rat skin was found to be significantly higher with LUL-NEG when compared with LUL gel. Furthermore, the skin irritation test performed in experimental animals revealed that the blank NEG, as well as the LUL-NEG, did not produce any signs of erythema following 48 h exposure. In addition, the histopathological findings of the experimental skins reported no abnormal signs at the formulation application site. Finally, the NEG formulation was found to create a statistically significant zone of inhibition ( $P$  < 0.05) when compared to all other test groups. Overall, it could be summarized that the nanoemulgel approach of delivering luliconazole across the skin to treat skin fungal infections could be a promising strategy.