A promising nystatin nanocapsular hydrogel as an antifungal polymeric carrier for the treatment of topical candidiasis

Bibliographic Information
Authors: AbouSamra M.M.; Basha M.; Awad G.E.A.; Mansy S.S.
Journal: Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology
Publisher: Editions de Sante
Publication Date: February 2019
Volume / Issue: Volume 49
Pages: 365–374
ISSN: 17732247
DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2018.12.014
Scopus: View on Scopus
Document Type: Article
Authors and Affiliations
AbouSamra M.M., Pharmaceutical Technology Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, 12622, Egypt; Basha M., Pharmaceutical Technology Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, 12622, Egypt; Awad G.E.A., Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Product Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, 12622, Egypt; Mansy S.S., Electron Microscopy Research Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
Abstract
The objective of the present work was the development and evaluation of nystatin (Nys) nanocapsular hydrogel, as an attractive dosage form for treatment of topical candidiasis. The nanocapsular dispersions were prepared using the nanoprecipitation method. The influence of formulation factors, namely, polycaprolactone (PCL) concentration (0.25, o.5% w/w) as well as that of squalene (2.5, 5%w/w) and span 60 (Sp60) (0.5, 1% w/w) was investigated on the various physicochemical properties of the produced formulations. The results revealed the significance of the studied factors which were optimized and the nanocapsular formulation; Nys-NC6 composed of 0.25% w/w PCL, 5% w/w squalene and 1% w/w Sp60 showed the most favorable attributes. Nys-NC6 exhibited high encapsulation efficiency (86.09 ± 0.28%), small mean diameter (254 ± 6.81 nm), low polydispersity index (0.23 ± 3.03) and high negative zeta potential (−48 ± 2.00 mV). After incorporation into Carbopol gel, the in vivo antifungal efficacy of Nys-NC6 hydrogel was studied against Candida albicans using infected rat model. At the end of the treatment period, Nys-NC6 hydrogel showed a superior antifungal effect compared to Nys hydrogel and the market product with a significant reduction of the fungal count and eradication of the Candidal infection. The obtained results were further supported by the confocal microscopy and histopathological photomicrographs confirming the antifungal efficacy of the tested formulation. The current findings suggested that nystatin nanocapsular hydrogel represent a successful approach for the treatment of topical candidiasis. © 2018 Elsevier B.V.
Keywords
Antifungal activity; Confocal laser scanning microscopy; Nanocapsules; Nystatin; Topical candidiasis; carbomer; nanocapsule; sorbitan stearate; squalene; animal experiment; animal model; animal tissue; antifungal therapy; Article; Candida albicans; confocal microscopy; controlled study; cream; dispersity; drug efficacy; drug release; histopathology; hydrodynamics; hydrogel; in vitro study; in vivo study; male; nanoencapsulation; nanopharmaceutics; nonhuman; particle size; pH; pH measurement; polymerization; rat; skin candidiasis; stratum corneum; thermography; zeta potential
Citation Information
Scopus Citations: 38
For comprehensive information about the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), its institutional activities, scientific and research achievements, clinical and hospital services, and the diverse expertise offered through its 22 specialized research and clinical departments, as well as opportunities for professional training, specialized workshops, and scientific conferences, readers are invited to visit the Institute’s official website.
The website provides regularly updated information on the Institute’s latest news, research activities, scientific initiatives, clinical services, institutional programs, and academic and professional opportunities.
English Website: https://www.tbri.sci.eg/en/
Arabic Website: https://www.tbri.sci.eg/ar/
Prepared and Uploaded by:
Abdalla F. Abdalla
Electronic Portal Unit
