Formulation and Evaluation of Lipid-based Nanoformulation of Itraconazole

Abstract

The powdered form of itraconazole is white, flavorless, and stable, but it dissolves slowly in water. In comparison to palmitic acid, stearic acid has a stronger affinity (2.57), as shown by the partition coefficient test. UV-visible spectra analysis reveals critical compound insights. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) identifies significant peaks in itraconazole and related compounds. tween 80 is selected for solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) based on their appearance. Optimization using 0.5% w/v tween 80 yielded better particle capture. Thermal analyses display distinctive characteristics of itraconazole, palmitic acid, and polyvinyl alcohol. Viscosity studies mirror tear film behavior. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images demonstrate SLN’s potential ocular application without irritation. Antifungal studies exhibit effective inhibition of Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus growth. SN-7 reveals strong encapsulation efficiency, mean vesicle size, and sustained drug release over 12 hours. Pharmacokinetic studies shed light on SLNs’ influence on drug absorption and distribution, indicative of potential in drug delivery systems. These findings offer promising prospects in formulating enhanced drug delivery mechanisms and understanding their impact on drug pharmacokinetics. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis confirmed SN-7’s singular peak at 6.59 minutes. Both formulations showcased skin penetration and stability over three months under varied conditions. Skin irritation tests on rats indicated minimal reactions, affirming low irritancy, which is crucial for patient comfort and acceptance in topical drug delivery. These assessments ensure safety and effectiveness in treating fungal infections.