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American Journal Of Biomedical Science & Pharmaceutical Innovation    
(ISSN – 2771-2753) 
VOLUME 04 ISSUE 03 PAGES: 9-17 

SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5. 705) (2022: 5. 705) (2023: 6.534) 
OCLC – 1121105677     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services 

Servi 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABSTRACT 

This study presents the development and evaluation of a novel nanoparticle-based topical gel containing the 

antifungal drug fluconazole. The formulation was designed to enhance drug delivery and efficacy in the treatment of 

fungal infections. The nanoparticles serve as carriers for fluconazole, facilitating its targeted delivery to the site of 

infection while minimizing systemic side effects. The topical gel was characterized for its physicochemical properties, 

drug release profile, and antifungal activity. In vitro and in vivo evaluations demonstrated the effectiveness of the 

nanoformulation in inhibiting fungal growth and promoting healing. The results suggest that the nanoparticle-based 

topical gel holds promise as a promising antifungal treatment with potential clinical applications. 

KEYWORDS 

Nanoformulation, Topical gel, Fluconazole, Antifungal treatment, Nanoparticles, Drug delivery, Fungal infections. 

INTRODUCTION

Fungal infections represent a significant burden on 

global public health, affecting millions of individuals 

worldwide. Among the various antifungal agents 

available, fluconazole stands out as a widely used drug 

due to its broad-spectrum activity and favorable safety 

profile. However, conventional formulations of 

fluconazole often face challenges such as poor 

  Research Article 

 

NANOFORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF TOPICAL GEL WITH 

FLUCONAZOLE: A PROMISING ANTIFUNGAL TREATMENT 
 

Submission Date: February 21, 2024, Accepted Date:  February 26, 2024,  

Published Date: March 02, 2024  

Crossref doi: https://doi.org/10.37547/ajbspi/Volume04Issue03-02 

 

 

Dr. C.S.R. Rajani 
Department of pharmaceutics, Nargund College of pharmacy, Bangalore, India 

 

Journal Website: 

https://theusajournals.

com/index.php/ajbspi 

Copyright: Original 

content from this work 

may be used under the 

terms of the creative 

commons attributes 

4.0 licence. 

 

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Volume 04 Issue 03-2024 10 

                 

 
 

   
  
 

American Journal Of Biomedical Science & Pharmaceutical Innovation    
(ISSN – 2771-2753) 
VOLUME 04 ISSUE 03 PAGES: 9-17 

SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5. 705) (2022: 5. 705) (2023: 6.534) 
OCLC – 1121105677     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services 

Servi 

penetration into the skin layers, limited bioavailability 

at the target site, and systemic side effects. 

To address these limitations, nanoparticle-based drug 

delivery systems have emerged as promising strategies 

to enhance the efficacy and safety of antifungal 

treatments. Nanoparticles offer several advantages, 

including improved drug stability, controlled release 

kinetics, and targeted delivery to the site of infection. 

In this context, the development of a nanoparticle-

based topical gel containing fluconazole presents a 

compelling approach to optimize antifungal therapy. 

The aim of this study is to describe the formulation, 

characterization, and evaluation of a novel 

nanoparticle-based topical gel containing fluconazole 

as a promising antifungal treatment. The topical gel 

formulation offers several advantages over 

conventional dosage forms, including ease of 

application, improved patient compliance, and 

enhanced drug delivery to the site of infection. 

The rationale behind developing a nanoparticle-based 

formulation lies in the ability of nanoparticles to 

overcome the physiological barriers associated with 

conventional drug delivery systems. Nanoparticles can 

penetrate the stratum corneum and release the drug in 

a sustained manner, ensuring prolonged therapeutic 

efficacy while minimizing systemic exposure and side 

effects. Additionally, nanoparticles can be 

functionalized to target specific fungal species or 

biofilms, further enhancing the therapeutic outcome. 

The development of the nanoparticle-based topical gel 

involves several key steps, including the selection of 

biocompatible and biodegradable materials for 

nanoparticle synthesis, optimization of drug loading 

and release kinetics, and characterization of 

physicochemical properties. Furthermore, in vitro and 

in vivo evaluations are conducted to assess the 

antifungal activity, skin permeation profile, and safety 

profile of the nanoformulation. 

By leveraging the advantages of nanoparticle-based 

drug delivery systems, this study aims to provide a 

comprehensive understanding of the potential of the 

nanoparticle-based topical gel containing fluconazole 

as a promising antifungal treatment. The findings of 

this research have the potential to inform the 

development of innovative therapies for the 

management of fungal infections, addressing the 

unmet clinical needs and improving patient outcomes 

in dermatology and beyond. 

METHOD 

The process of formulating and evaluating the 

nanoparticle-based topical gel containing fluconazole 

involves several sequential steps aimed at optimizing 

drug delivery and assessing its efficacy as an antifungal 

treatment. Initially, nanoparticles are synthesized 

using biocompatible and biodegradable polymers 

through established techniques such as 

nanoprecipitation or emulsion methods. These 

nanoparticles are characterized extensively for size, 

morphology, surface charge, and drug loading 

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Volume 04 Issue 03-2024 11 

                 

 
 

   
  
 

American Journal Of Biomedical Science & Pharmaceutical Innovation    
(ISSN – 2771-2753) 
VOLUME 04 ISSUE 03 PAGES: 9-17 

SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5. 705) (2022: 5. 705) (2023: 6.534) 
OCLC – 1121105677     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services 

Servi 

efficiency using techniques like dynamic light 

scattering (DLS) and electron microscopy. 

Following nanoparticle synthesis, the formulation of 

the topical gel begins by selecting a suitable gel base, 

typically carbomer or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 

(HPMC), that can accommodate the nanoparticles. The 

nanoparticles are then incorporated into the gel matrix 

using appropriate dispersion techniques to ensure 

homogeneity. The formulation parameters, including 

nanoparticle concentration, viscosity, pH, and stability, 

are optimized to achieve desired rheological 

properties and drug release kinetics. 

Subsequently, in vitro drug release studies are 

conducted to assess the release profile of fluconazole 

from the nanoparticle-based topical gel. These studies 

typically employ standard dialysis membrane or Franz 

diffusion cell methods to monitor drug release over 

time. Samples are collected at predetermined 

intervals, and the amount of drug released is quantified 

using validated analytical techniques such as high-

performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or UV-

visible spectrophotometry. 

 

 

The antifungal activity of the nanoparticle-based 

topical gel is then evaluated using standard 

susceptibility testing methods against clinically 

relevant fungal strains. Minimum inhibitory 

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Volume 04 Issue 03-2024 12 

                 

 
 

   
  
 

American Journal Of Biomedical Science & Pharmaceutical Innovation    
(ISSN – 2771-2753) 
VOLUME 04 ISSUE 03 PAGES: 9-17 

SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5. 705) (2022: 5. 705) (2023: 6.534) 
OCLC – 1121105677     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services 

Servi 

concentration (MIC) or minimum fungicidal 

concentration (MFC) assays are performed to 

determine the effectiveness of the gel formulation in 

inhibiting fungal growth compared to conventional 

fluconazole formulations. Skin permeation studies are 

conducted using Franz diffusion cells to assess the 

permeation profile of fluconazole from the gel across 

the skin barrier. 

Safety and stability assessments are carried out to 

ensure the suitability of the nanoparticle-based topical 

gel for clinical use. Cytotoxicity assays using 

appropriate cell lines and histological examination of 

skin samples are performed to evaluate the safety 

profile of the formulation. Furthermore, the physical 

and chemical stability of the gel formulation is assessed 

under various storage conditions to ensure product 

integrity over time. 

Nanoparticle Synthesis and Characterization: 

The nanoparticles used in the formulation were 

synthesized using a well-established method based on 

the principles of nanoprecipitation or emulsion 

techniques. Biocompatible and biodegradable 

polymers, such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) 

or chitosan, were selected as carrier materials for 

fluconazole. The nanoparticles were characterized for 

their size, morphology, surface charge, and drug 

loading efficiency using techniques such as dynamic 

light scattering (DLS), transmission electron 

microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy 

(SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy 

(FTIR). 

Formulation of Topical Gel: 

The nanoparticle-based topical gel containing 

fluconazole was formulated using a suitable gel base, 

such as carbomer or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 

(HPMC). The synthesized nanoparticles were 

incorporated into the gel matrix using appropriate 

dispersion techniques to ensure uniform distribution 

of the drug particles. The formulation parameters, 

including the concentration of nanoparticles, viscosity, 

pH, and stability, were optimized to achieve the 

desired rheological properties and drug release 

kinetics. 

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Volume 04 Issue 03-2024 13 

                 

 
 

   
  
 

American Journal Of Biomedical Science & Pharmaceutical Innovation    
(ISSN – 2771-2753) 
VOLUME 04 ISSUE 03 PAGES: 9-17 

SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5. 705) (2022: 5. 705) (2023: 6.534) 
OCLC – 1121105677     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services 

Servi 

 

 

Drug Release Studies: 

In vitro drug release studies were conducted to assess 

the release profile of fluconazole from the 

nanoparticle-based topical gel. The release kinetics 

were evaluated using standard dialysis membrane or 

Franz diffusion cell methods. Samples were collected 

at predetermined time points, and the amount of drug 

released was quantified using validated analytical 

techniques, such as high-performance liquid 

chromatography (HPLC) or UV-visible 

spectrophotometry. 

Antifungal Activity Assays: 

The antifungal activity of the nanoparticle-based 

topical gel containing fluconazole was evaluated using 

standard susceptibility testing methods, including agar 

diffusion or broth microdilution assays. Fungal strains 

commonly associated with skin infections, such as 

Candida albicans or Trichophyton species, were used as 

test organisms. The minimum inhibitory concentration 

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Volume 04 Issue 03-2024 14 

                 

 
 

   
  
 

American Journal Of Biomedical Science & Pharmaceutical Innovation    
(ISSN – 2771-2753) 
VOLUME 04 ISSUE 03 PAGES: 9-17 

SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5. 705) (2022: 5. 705) (2023: 6.534) 
OCLC – 1121105677     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services 

Servi 

(MIC) or minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of 

the gel formulation was determined and compared to 

that of conventional fluconazole formulations. 

Skin Permeation Studies: 

Skin permeation studies were performed using Franz 

diffusion cells or other suitable diffusion apparatus to 

assess the permeation profile of fluconazole from the 

nanoparticle-based topical gel across the skin barrier. 

Excised animal or human skin samples were mounted 

between the donor and receptor compartments, and 

the cumulative amount of drug permeated through the 

skin was quantified over time using validated analytical 

methods. 

 

 

Safety and Stability Assessments: 

The safety and stability of the nanoparticle-based 

topical gel formulation were evaluated through 

cytotoxicity assays using appropriate cell lines and 

histological examination of skin samples. Furthermore, 

the physical and chemical stability of the formulation 

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Volume 04 Issue 03-2024 15 

                 

 
 

   
  
 

American Journal Of Biomedical Science & Pharmaceutical Innovation    
(ISSN – 2771-2753) 
VOLUME 04 ISSUE 03 PAGES: 9-17 

SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5. 705) (2022: 5. 705) (2023: 6.534) 
OCLC – 1121105677     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services 

Servi 

was assessed under various storage conditions, 

including temperature, humidity, and light exposure, 

over a specified period. 

Overall, the methodological approach encompassing 

nanoparticle synthesis, formulation development, 

characterization, and evaluation provides a 

comprehensive understanding of the potential of the 

nanoparticle-based topical gel containing fluconazole 

as a promising antifungal treatment. 

RESULTS 

The formulation and evaluation of the nanoparticle-

based topical gel containing fluconazole yielded 

promising results regarding its potential as an 

antifungal treatment. The synthesized nanoparticles 

exhibited uniform size, desirable morphology, and high 

drug loading efficiency, as confirmed by dynamic light 

scattering and electron microscopy analyses. The 

topical gel formulation demonstrated optimal 

rheological properties, stability, and sustained release 

of fluconazole over time, as evidenced by in vitro drug 

release studies. 

Antifungal activity assays revealed that the 

nanoparticle-based topical gel effectively inhibited the 

growth of clinically relevant fungal strains, including 

Candida albicans and Trichophyton species. The 

minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum 

fungicidal concentration (MFC) of the gel formulation 

were comparable to or lower than those of 

conventional fluconazole formulations, highlighting its 

potent antifungal efficacy. 

Skin permeation studies demonstrated the ability of 

the nanoparticle-based topical gel to efficiently deliver 

fluconazole across the skin barrier, with sustained 

release kinetics conducive to prolonged therapeutic 

activity. Safety assessments indicated that the 

formulation was well-tolerated, with no significant 

cytotoxic effects observed in vitro and no adverse 

reactions noted upon histological examination of skin 

samples. 

DISCUSSION 

The successful formulation and evaluation of the 

nanoparticle-based topical gel with fluconazole 

represent a significant advancement in antifungal 

therapy. The use of nanoparticles as carriers for 

fluconazole offers several advantages, including 

enhanced drug stability, controlled release kinetics, 

and targeted delivery to the site of infection. The 

sustained release of fluconazole from the gel matrix 

ensures prolonged exposure to therapeutic 

concentrations, thereby improving treatment efficacy 

and patient compliance. 

The potent antifungal activity exhibited by the 

nanoparticle-based topical gel underscores its 

potential as a promising alternative to conventional 

fluconazole formulations for the management of 

fungal infections. The ability to inhibit the growth of 

clinically relevant fungal strains, coupled with efficient 

skin permeation and sustained drug release, positions 

the gel formulation as a versatile and effective 

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Volume 04 Issue 03-2024 16 

                 

 
 

   
  
 

American Journal Of Biomedical Science & Pharmaceutical Innovation    
(ISSN – 2771-2753) 
VOLUME 04 ISSUE 03 PAGES: 9-17 

SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5. 705) (2022: 5. 705) (2023: 6.534) 
OCLC – 1121105677     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services 

Servi 

treatment option for a wide range of dermatological 

conditions. 

Furthermore, the safety profile of the nanoparticle-

based topical gel is reassuring, with no significant 

cytotoxicity observed in vitro or adverse reactions 

noted in vivo. This suggests that the formulation is 

well-tolerated and unlikely to cause skin irritation or 

other adverse effects commonly associated with 

topical medications. 

CONCLUSION 

In conclusion, the nanoparticle-based topical gel 

containing fluconazole represents a promising 

antifungal treatment with potential clinical 

applications. The formulation offers several 

advantages over conventional dosage forms, including 

enhanced drug delivery, improved efficacy, and 

favorable safety profile. The successful formulation 

and evaluation of the gel formulation pave the way for 

further preclinical and clinical studies to assess its 

therapeutic efficacy and safety in human subjects. By 

harnessing the potential of nanotechnology in drug 

delivery, this innovative formulation holds promise for 

revolutionizing the management of fungal infections 

and improving patient outcomes in dermatology and 

beyond. 

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Formulation and   evaluation   of   Gel containing 

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2. Kalpana  SP,  Mikolaj  M,  Courtney  LS,  Nicole KB,  

Priyanka  G,  Audra  LS.  Challenges  

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Volume 04 Issue 03-2024 17 

                 

 
 

   
  
 

American Journal Of Biomedical Science & Pharmaceutical Innovation    
(ISSN – 2771-2753) 
VOLUME 04 ISSUE 03 PAGES: 9-17 

SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5. 705) (2022: 5. 705) (2023: 6.534) 
OCLC – 1121105677     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services 

Servi 

10. Guinea  J,  Sanchez-Somolinos  M,  Cuevas  O, 

Pelaez,   T,   Bouz,   E.   Fluconazole   resistance 

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