Formulation and Evaluation of Sertaconazole nitrate loaded Nanosponges for topical application

The aim of present research work is to formulate sertaconazole nitrate an antifungal drug into nanosponges loaded topical hydrogel using simple and cost effective method. Nanosponges loaded hydrogels were prepared by “Emulsion solvent diffusion method” using different polymers like ethyl cellulose and polymethyl methacrylate, a surfactant named polyvinyl alcohol and a crosslinking agent dichloromethane. Taguchi experimental design (L8) was applied for screening nanosponges by taking independent variables as type of polymers (X1), concentration of surfactant (X2) and amount of crosslinking agent (X3) while percentage entrapment efficiency (Y1) is dependent variable. Further, they were evaluated for particle size, PDI, zeta potential, percentage yield, entrapment efficiency, in-vitro and ex-vivo diffusion studies. Formulation F2 was screened based on its percentage drug release from in-vitro diffusion studies. Ex-vivo studies were conducted for screened formulation, marketed formulation (Onabet), pure drug dispersion and control gel to determine there percentage drug release and skin retention. F2 formulation followed zero order kinetics with Higuchi release mechanism, which indicates the rate of drug release through the mode of diffusion. The value of ‘n’ from korsemeyerpeppas indicates the anomalous transport concluding the drug release both by diffusion and relaxation of polymer chains. F2 formulation have shown 70.40% skin retention which was more when compared with marketed formulation, pure drug dispersion and control gel. The study concluded that sertaconazole nitrate loaded nanosponges have control release effect for prolonged period of time in the skin and it has been reported to show site targeted effect with reduced incidence of side effects and dosing frequency for the treatment of skin disorders like athelete's foot, dermatophytosis and candidiasis.