Carbopol hydrogel loaded with nanosponges as an approach for enhancing activity of a natural antifungal: Factorial design analysis, characterization and in vivo evaluation

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Hibah M Aldawasri, Shaimaa M Badr-Eldin, Gehan S Labib and Amal Elkamel

King Abdulaziz University, KSA
Alexandria University, Egypt

: J Pharm Drug Deliv Res

Abstract

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Lemongrass oil is a volatile oil extracted from the leaves of Cymbopogon citratus that has various pharmacologic and clinical effects. The oil suffers from low aqueous solubility and instability of its major active constituent, citral. These drawbacks could lead to reduced effect, volatilization and consequently, skin irritation. To overcome these problems, this research aims at enhancing the antifungal activity and reducing irritation of lemon grass via the formulation of topical hydrogel loaded with ethyl cellulose-based nanosponges containing lemongrass. The minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal fungicidal concentration of LGO against Candida albicans strain ATC 100231, determined using the broth macrodilution method, were found to be 2 and 8 μL/mL, respectively. Nanosponges were prepared using the emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The nanosponge dispersions were then incorporated into 0.4% carbopol hydrogels. Nine formulations were prepared according to a 32 full factorial design. Ethyl cellulose: Polyvinyl alcohol ratio and stirring rate were studied as independent variables. The prepared formulations were characterized for particle size, citral content and in vitro release. Results revealed that all the nanosponge dispersions were in the nano range with satisfactory citral content and sustained release profiles. Both independent variables have significant effects on particle size and percentage released after 6 hours; however, the effect of the stirring rate was more prominent on both responses. Morphological investigations for the selected hydrogel formulation, F9, revealed that the nanosponges possess a spherical uniform shape with a spongy structure that preserved their integrity after incorporation into the hydrogel. Furthermore, the in vivo evaluation proved the non-irritancy and the effective antifungal activity of the selected formulation against C. albicans.

Biography

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Email: haldosari@kau.edu.sa