Gallic acid loaded self-nano emulsifying hydrogel-based drug delivery system against onychomycosis

<b>Aim:</b> To developed and investigate gallic acid (GA) loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) for treating onychomycosis via transungual route.<b>Materials & methods:</b> The SNEDDS were prepared by direct dispersion technique and were evaluated for characteristics parameters using Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry, confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and zeta sizer. Furthermore, the safety of prepared formulation was evaluated via Hen's egg test-chorioallantoic membrane study and stability was confirmed using different parameters. Also, its effectiveness was evaluated against fungal strain <i>Trichophyton mentagrophytes</i>.<b>Results:</b> The SNEDDS displayed a particle size of 199.8 ± 4.21 nm and a zeta potential; of -22.75 ± 2.09 mV. Drug release study illustrated a sustained release pattern with a release of 70.34 ± 0.20% over a period of 24 h. The penetration across the nail plate was found to be 1.59 ± 0.002 µg/mg and 0.97 ± 0.001 µg/mg for GA loaded SNEDDS and GA solution respectively. An irritation score of 0.52 ± 0.005 and 3.84 ± 0.001 was reported for GA loaded SNEDDS hydrogel and GA solution, indicating a decrease in the drug's irritation potential from slightly irritating to non irritating due to its entrapment within the SNEDDS.<b>Conclusion:</b> GA loaded SNEDDS has potential to address limitations of conventional treatments, enhancing the drug's efficacy and reducing the likelihood of resistance in the treatment of Onychomycosis.