FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF ANTIFUNGAL LIRANAFTATE-LOADED NANOEMULGEL FOR TOPICAL DRUG DELIVERY.

Fungal infections are commonly observed skin disorders caused mainly by dermatophytes affecting the skin, hair, and nails. These infections often lead to itching, irritation, inflammation, and discomfort, thereby reducing the quality of life. Conventional topical antifungal preparations show limitations such as poor skin penetration, low retention time, and the requirement for repeated application. The outermost layer of skin, known as the stratum corneum, acts as a major barrier that restricts effective drug delivery. To overcome these limitations, advanced topical delivery systems have gained importance in modern pharmaceutical research. Nanoemulsion-based formulations improve drug solubility, stability, and penetration through the skin due to their nanosized droplets and enhanced surface area. Incorporation of nanoemulsion into gel systems results in nanoemulgel formulations with better viscosity, spreadability, and prolonged skin retention. These systems provide controlled drug release and improved therapeutic effectiveness with better patient compliance. Liranaftate, a potent antifungal agent, shows effective activity against dermatophyte infections through inhibition of fungal cell membrane synthesis. Enhanced topical delivery of antifungal agents using nanoemulgel systems offers promising results for safer, targeted, and more efficient management of fungal skin infections.