Formulation and Evaluation of Niosomal Gel of Antifungal Luliconazole

Niosomes have potential applications in topical drug delivery system. Niosomes play an increasingly important role in drug delivery as they can reduce toxicity and modify pharmacokinetic and bio-availability. Topically applied niosomes can increase the residence time of drugs in the stratum corneum and epidermis, while reducing the systemic absorption of the drug. It can act as drug containing reservoirs and the modification of the vesicular compositions or surface properties can adjust the drug release rate and the affinity for the target site. Luliconazole is a potential prescription candidate drug for the treatment of topical fungal infections. However, it has water solubility and skin permeability limitations. To overcome these limitations, a niosomal gel of luliconazole was formulated using Span 60, cholesterol and chloroform to improve its bioavailability and to reduce its toxicity. Niosomes were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for morphological and spectral studies respectively. The formulations had ideal nanometric vesicle sizes, encapsulation efficiency (88.891% ± 0.0364%), Zeta potential (-40.1 mV), and storage instability was not observed. The sustained-release profile of niosomal gel was observed for up to 24 h. The highest R2 value was 0.913; the Higuchi model was considered the best fit model for the niosomal formulations. Based on the results, it can be concluded that niosomal luliconazole may enhance the activity of luliconazole against Candida albicans. 
Keywords: Luliconazole, Niosomes, Transdermal drug delivery, Antifungal drugs, Candida albicans