Formulation and optimization of lipid- and Poloxamer-tagged niosomes for dermal delivery of terbinafine: preparation, evaluation, and in vitro antifungal activity

AbstractFungal skin diseases are recognized as a global burden disease that affect human quality adjusted life. Terbinafine belongs to allylamine and broad-spectrum antifungal drugs but considered practically insoluble. Different lipids/surfactant with two different molar ratios were investigated with Span 40-based niosomes; characterized for size, morphology, loading capacity (EE%), in vitro release, kinetics, and antifungal activities. Vesicle sizes (0.19–1.23 µm), EE% (25–99%), zeta potential (> −32 mV), and in vitro release rates were dependent on both lipid types and ratios. Higher ratios of Poloxamer 407 preferably formed mixed micelles rather than forming noisome bilayers. Both Compritol and Precirol were deemed to be potential alternatives to cholesterol as bilayer membrane stabilizers. Terbinafine-loaded Compritol and Precirol stabilized niosomes were successfully prepared and demonstrated superior antifungal activities in vitro (inhibition zones) using Candida albicans ATCC 60913.Keywords: TerbinafineniosomesCompritolPrecirolmembrane additives AcknowledgementsThe authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University for funding this work through Large Group Research Project under Grant Number RGP 2/55/44.Disclosure statementThe authors report no conflict of interest.Additional informationFundingThis work was supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University for funding this work through Large Group Project under Grant Number RGP 2/55/44.