Formulation and Evaluation of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles-based Gel Containing Miconazole Nitrate (An Antifungal Agent)

Solid lipid nanoparticles are the advanced drug delivery system in which the active ingredient is incorporated into a lipid carrier (e.g. Triglycerides, fatty acid, steroids, partial glycerides, and waxes) and it is stabilized by using a biocompatible surfactant such as poloxamer, polysorbate, lecithin. The objective of the present investigation was to prepare and evaluate the solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) based gel using an antifungal agent Miconazole nitrate (MN). Miconazole nitrate was received from Micro Labs Limited, Hosur, HPMC and Carbopol 940, stearic acid, tween 80, glycerol was kindly provided by East Point College of Pharmacy. Compatibility of drug and excipients was confirmed by IR studies. The formulation was prepared by Microemulsion and homogenization method using stearic acid and tween 80.

All the Solid lipid nanoparticle formulations were subjected to particle size, drug entrapment efficiency, scanning electron microscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. Formulation F2 resulted in the least SLN particle size. The F3-SLN dispersion showed a higher entrapment efficiency of 78.7%. Scanning Electron Microscopy of prepared SLN particles showed that prepared particles were spherical and the surface was rough. The Differential Scanning Calorimetry of the SLN particles showed the conversion of the drug from a crystalline to an amorphous state. The prepared SLN particles were dispersed in HPMC Carbopol gel. The resulting SLN-loaded gels were evaluated for appearance, spreadability and in vitro drug release. The SLN-loaded gels showed good appearance and spreadability. The in vitro drug release of SLN gel was evaluated using a Franz diffusion cell using dialysis membrane 70 with phosphate buffer pH 7.4 as a dissolution media. All the formulations showed drug release till 24hrs. It was concluded that Miconazole nitrate-loaded SLN gel formulation containing Carbopol 940 in combination with Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose was suitable for topical application since it showed prolonged drug release.