Preparation and characterization of solid lipid nanoparticles phospholipid complex loaded with fenticonazole nitrate for topical management of Candida Albicans

The current investigation aimed for loading Fenticonazole nitrate (FTN), an antifungal agent with low aqueous solubility, into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) phospholipid complex for management of candida albicans topically. Fenticonazole nitrate is an antifungal medication which has substantial first pass metabolism results in low oral bioavailability. In order to prevent oral complications, the production of SLNs-phospholipid complex for improving Fenticonazole nitrate topical distribution was the focus of this study. By using a 21.31 full factorial design and different solid lipids and surfactants, SLNs formulas were created. SLNs phospholipid complex were fabricated applying thin film hydration method. SLNs phospholipid complex were evaluated with regard to entrapment efficiency percent (EE%), particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (ZP). Further explorations were conducted on the optimum formulation. Utilizing Design Expert® software, the optimum formula (F2) was determined, revealing ZP of -23.50±1.11 mV, PDI of 0.41±0.005, PS of 137.05±0.45nm, and EE% of 77.44±0.94%. Further, the optimum formula showed spherical SLNs without aggregation under transmission electron microscope evaluation. In-vitro release study showed that the optimum formula was released more rapidly than FTN suspension. In addition, during storage the optimum formula was stable. The histological investigation verified the safety of the optimum SLNs.