Design Development and Characterization of Clotrimazole Nano Sponge Gel

Abstract

Objectives: Nanosponge is a new concept for the drug delivery system. In the present research work, an attempt was made to develop nanosponge based topical hydrogel containing Clotrimazole. Nanosponges are mainly used to provide the sustained release and thereby reduce the side effects caused by conventional dosage form. Methods: Nanosponges were prepared using emulsion solvent diffusion method by using ethyl cellulose and eudragit S 100 in different concentrations. The prepared nanosponges were evaluated for preformulation parameters. The nanosponges formulation of all batches were evaluated for production yield, entrapment efficiency. Optimized formulation was evaluated for SEM analysis and incorporated into a gel base. The nanosponges containing gel was evaluated for pH determination, spreadability, swelling studies, viscosity determination, and in vitro diffusion study using franz diffusion cell for 10 hrs. Results and Discussion: The results of FTIR analysis showed that there is no physical and chemical interaction between drug and other excipients. F2, F5 are considered to be the optimized nanosponge formulation. G1 was considered to be the best formulation. The data from the in vitro release study were fitted to various mathematical models. The results of mathematical model of fitting data obtained indicated the best fit in all cases. Stability study for 1 months at various condition shows G1 has good stability. Conclusion: The study indicates that the rate of drug release can be improved by incorporating drug into the nanosponges and thus it can improve the targeting of the drug at the specific site and thereby reduce systemic toxicity.