Formulation and Statistical Optimization of Mupirocin Transferosomal Loaded Gels

Abstract

Background: Topical Mupirocin is the drug of choice for Impetigo, which is a common bacterial skin infection. There are conventional formulations with limited efficacy due to poor penetration through the barrier of skin.

Methods: The present study is an investigation of transferosomes as a novel delivery system for mupirocin. We have formulated and optimized transferosomes using various lipids, edge activators and preparation methods. The factors like drug content, drug release, drug entrapment efficiency (%EE) and zeta potential (ZP) were evaluated. A 3-level factorial design was employed to optimise the most promising formulation among all the compositions. The significant results were obtained from MF3. Hence, it was incorporated into a gel and drug delivery into the skin layers was evaluated by using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM).

Results: The optimized transferosome formulation (MF3) demonstrated superior drug %EE, drug content and a stable ZP. The mupirocin-loaded gel containing MF3 exhibited better drug release properties compared to conventional formulations. CLSM confirmed enhanced skin permeability of mupirocin delivered through the optimized transferosomes.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that mupirocin-loaded transferosomes have the potential to improve drug delivery for impetigo treatment. The enhanced skin penetration achieved with this method could lead to more effective therapy and potentially shorter treatment durations.