Voriconazole nanoparticles-based film forming spray: An efficient approach for potential treatment of topical fungal infections

Abstract Voriconazole (VRC) is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent but possesses serious adverse effects systemically, which can be minimized by topical drug delivery. The goal of this project was to develop novel VRC-loaded polymeric nanoparticles to enhance the topical delivery in the form of film forming spray (FFS). The polymeric nanoparticles of VRC were prepared through Ionic gelation method and optimized using Design expert (free trial version 7) software. Optimized PNPs showed a spherical shape in nano-range. An extended release of VRC up to 24 hours from the optimized formulation followed a diffusion-based mechanism at skin pH (5.5). Ex vivo permeability and skin retentivity test confirmed the deposition of VRC in skin layers. The final formulation showed potential antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus. Non-irritant nature of film forming spray (FFS) was confirmed through histological study on the rabbit's skin. Hence, VRC-PNPs based FFS could be a potential candidate for treating topical fungal infections.