Formulation and Evaluation of Miconazole Nitrate Loaded Novel Nanoparticle Gel for Topical Delivery

The aim of the present research work is to design miconazole-loaded chitosan nanoparticles that could potentially assemble in wrinkle and hair follicles to provide prolong release to the skin tissue. The amount of drugs required for the preparation of nanoparticles was determined by studying the entrapment efficiency of preliminary batches. The emulsification/Solvent evaporation method was used for the preparation of nanoparticles. Different proportions of Miconazole Nitrate and Chitosan were dissolved in DCM. The size of the globules in the emulsion was reduced by a high energy shearing using a probe Sonicator at 50 % amplitude for 10 Minutes, followed by the addition of 10 ml 2% PVA. After overnight evaporation of DCM, for isolation of dried NPs, the NPs dispersion was centrifuged at 15,000 RCF for 30 minutes. The obtained particles were dispersed in de-ionized water and freeze-dried. 32 full factorial design was selected for optimization purposes. Prepared batches were evaluated for various parameters such as entrapment efficiency, production yield, particle size, zeta potential, and SEM. F5 batch was found to be optimized which was then used for the preparation of gel. Three levels of Carbopol934 and propylene glycol were used for the optimization of gel. The prepared gel was also evaluated for pH, drug content, viscosity, and spreadability. From the study, it was concluded that nanoparticle gel can be used for the treatment of various skin infections over the conventional gel.