Design Formulation, Development and Optimization of Solid Lipid Nanoparticle Containing Fluconazole and Its Anti-Fungal Activity

Sikesh Kumar Shah; B.K. Arjariya; Praveen Bhawsar

doi:10.69968/

Authors

Sikesh Kumar Shah Research Scholar, Malhotra College of Pharmacy
B.K. Arjariya Professor, HOD, Director, Malhotra College of Pharmacy
Praveen Bhawsar Associate Professor, Academic Incharge, Malhotra College of Pharmacy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69968/

Keywords:

Fluconazole, Solid Lipid Nanoparticle, Antifungal, Triazole Antifungal Agent, Drug, Pre-Formulation Studies

Abstract

though fluconazole is a commonly used triazole antifungal agent that works well against a variety of fungal infections, its low absorption and poor water solubility sometimes restrict its clinical performance. The present study aimed to design, develop, and optimize fluconazole-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) to enhance its antifungal efficacy. Using Tween 80 as the surfactant and stearic acid as the lipid, solid lipid nanoparticles were created by the solvent emulsification–evaporation method. Pre-formulation studies confirmed the purity, stability, and compatibility of fluconazole with selected excipients. The prepared SLN formulations were assessed for their "physical appearance, particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, drug entrapment efficiency, surface morphology, in vitro drug release, antifungal activity, and stability". The optimised formulation (SLNs-4) had the maximum entrapment efficiency of 94.76%, "a high negative zeta potential of −30.2 mV," suggesting strong colloidal stability, and a mean particle size of 164.27 nm. In vitro drug release studies demonstrated a sustained release pattern, while antifungal evaluation against Candida albicans showed enhanced inhibitory activity compared to conventional fluconazole. The physical stability of the formulation under accelerated circumstances was validated by stability studies. Overall, fluconazole-loaded SLNs represent a promising nanocarrier system for improving antifungal therapy by enhancing drug stability, controlled release, and therapeutic effectiveness.

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