Topical delivery of ebselen encapsulated in biopolymeric nanocapsules: drug repurposing enhanced antifungal activity

AIM: Ebselen (Eb) is an example of a repurposed drug with poor aqueous solubility which requires sophisticated delivery system such as nanoencapsulation in nanocapsules for topical application. MATERIALS & METHODS: Eb-nanocapsules were examined for morphology, activity against Candida spp., cytotoxicity and skin permeation. RESULTS: Eb-nanocapsules were active against skin-infecting Candida tropicalis, Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis yeasts (minimal inhibitory concentration values were about 4-, 2- and 1.25-times lower vs free Eb, respectively) and able to suppress induced lipid oxidation in the oil/water emulsion. Moreover, demonstrated minimal toxicity in normal human dermal fibroblast cell line, whereas ex vivo skin permeation studies showed no transdermal passage and strong interactions with stratum corneum. CONCLUSION: Eb-nanocapsules represent a promising, safe and complementary alternative to the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis.