Abstract
Luliconazole (LCZ) is a topical imidazole antifungal agent with broad-spectrum activity. However, LCZ faces challenges like low aqueous solubility, skin retention, and penetration, limiting its dermal bioavailability and effectiveness in drug delivery. This study aims to formulate, characterize, and assess the in vitro antifungal efficacy of luliconazole-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (LCZ-NLCs) against resistant fungal strains. The LCZ-NLCs were synthesized using a modified emulsification-solvent evaporation method. Characterization included poly-dispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, entrapment efficiency (EE %), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis, and Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) study. Additionally, in vitro drug release experiments, kinetic analysis of release data, cytotoxicity assays, and in vitro antifungal susceptibility tests were conducted. The results revealed that LCZ-NLCs exhibited nanoscale dimensions, uniform dispersion, and a favorable zeta potential. The encapsulation efficiency of LCZ in NLCs was around 90%. FESEM analysis showed spherical nanoparticles with consistent shape. ATR-FTIR analysis indicated no chemical interaction between LCZ and excipients. In vitro drug release experiments suggested that LCZ-NLCs significantly improved the drug's dissolution rate. Stability testing also showed consistent colloidal nanometer ranges in LCZ-NLCs samples. Also, cytotoxicity tests showed no toxicity within the tested concentration. Furthermore, in vitro antifungal susceptibility tests demonstrated potent antifungal activity of both LCZ and LCZ-NLCs against resistant fungal isolates. The study findings suggest that the LCZ-NLCs formulation developed in this research could be a promising topical treatment for superficial fungal infections, especially in cases of resistant infections.