Development and Characterization of Naftifine- Loaded Nanoemulsion-Based Nanogels: A Promising Approach for Antifungal Drug Delivery

Abstract

This study explored the development of nanoemulsion-based nanogels for the enhanced delivery of Naftifine, an antifungal agent. Various formulations, including blank (F1), drug-loaded nanoemulsion (F2), and chitosan-based nanogel (F3), were prepared and evaluated for their physical and chemical properties. The nanoemulsions were prepared using olive oil, lecithin, and xanthan gum, followed by the incorporation of Naftifine into selected formulations. Chitosan nanogel was developed by mixing the nanoemulsion with a chitosan gel base. The formulations were characterized for viscosity, droplet size, surface charge, polydispersity index (PDI), and drug content. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed no interaction between Naftifine and the excipients. The antifungal efficacy of the formulations was assessed using Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) tests against Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis. Results showed that the nanoemulsion-based nanogel exhibited superior drug release and antifungal activity compared to the nanoemulsion alone, indicating its potential for more effective antifungal therapy.