PREPARATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND EVALUATION OF ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF CLOTRIMAZOLE NANOSTRUCTURED LIPID CARRIERS

Objectives: The aim of this work was the preparation of Clotrimazole (CM) loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (CM-NLC) and the examination of in-vitro antifungal activity of prepared formula. Methods: High shear hot homogenization method was used for CM-NLC preparation. Different ratios of Compritol AT 888 and Labrasol were used and combined with two types of surfactants: Kolliphor P188 or Kolliphor EL to stabilize NLC dispersion. The prepared formulae were tested for diameter, zeta potential, loading capacity, in-vitro release, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and also for antifungal activity against strains of Candida albicans. Results: six formulae were successfully prepared with Z-average diameter ranges from 468.9 ± 3.7 down to 18.63 ± 0.964 nm, and high loading capacity of the drug (˃50%) and Polydispersity index less than 1, indicating homogeneity of size. DSC images ensured drug solubility in the lipid matrix and dispersed in NLC in an amorphous state. While TEM images ensured that the CM-NLC formulation had a size below 30 nm and a spherical shape. In-vitro antifungal activity of formula NLC6 showed the largest inhibition zone, indicative of enhancement of drug activity. Conclusion: These results indicate that better homing of CM molecules and controlled drug release through NLC formulation may be a promising carrier for various anti-microbial and anti-fungal applications.