Formulation and Characterization of Nanoemulsion Containing Terbinafine HCl against Candida albicans Fungal Infections

Abstract

Background: Transdermal drug delivery of antifungal drugs always remained very challenging due to poor penetration and retainability of formulation at site of infection. Objective: The main objective was to enhance permeation and bioavailability of Terbinafine HCl loaded nanoemulsion for better penetration potential and efficacy in treating superficial dermatophytic infections. Method: A nanoemulsion, loaded with terbinafine HCl was prepared by high-speed homogenization method. The solubility of the drug was assessed by UV spectrophotometry drug content was then checked by FTIR, final formulation was checked via HPLC. The optimization was done via Design expert software by employing Central Composite Rotatable Design. The particle size and Polydispersity index was assessed via Zeta sizer while Malvern Zetasizer for the zeta potential assessment. Droplet size was assessed via SEM and invitro penetration studied via Franz diffusion cell. For invivo and histopathological examination albino rabbits were used. Results: The formulation prepared was subjected to various characterization parameters. The average drug content was found 98.57%, and average particle size of optimized formulation was 57.81nm with good homogeneity as indicated by low polydispersity index i.e. 0.08. In vivo and microbiological studies showed that the Terbinafine HCl nanoemulsion significantly reduced the Candida albicans infection in animals moreover the microbiological assessment also showed decreased growth of Candida albicans. Conclusion: Conclusively, the present study presents a novel nanoemulsion of Terbinafine HCl which could be further explored in human subjects for its better understanding on efficacy and the toxicity that effects human health.