FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF OXICONAZOLE LOADED GLYCEROSOME AS ANTIFUNGAL AGENT

The present study aims to formulate and characterize oxiconazole-loaded glycerosomes as a novel lipid-based nanocarrier system for enhanced antifungal therapy. Oxiconazole is an imidazole antifungal agent used for the treatment of various fungal skin infections. However, its therapeutic effectiveness may be limited by inadequate drug penetration and retention at the site of infection. Glycerosomes are vesicular drug delivery systems composed of phospholipids and glycerol, which may improve vesicle flexibility, drug encapsulation, skin penetration, and localized drug delivery. In the present investigation, oxiconazole-loaded glycerosomes can be prepared using a suitable formulation technique and optimized by varying the concentrations of phospholipids and glycerol. The prepared formulations are evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, morphology, pH, drug content, in-vitro drug release, and ex-vivo skin permeation. In addition, antifungal activity can be assessed against selected fungal strains and compared with that of the conventional drug formulation. Stability studies are conducted to determine the physical and chemical stability of the optimized formulation. Overall, oxiconazole-loaded glycerosomes may offer a promising approach for improving topical drug delivery, enhancing antifungal efficacy, and potentially reducing the frequency of application and local adverse effects. The final therapeutic benefits would require confirmation through experimental evaluation.