Prathima Srinivas, Sreeja. K
The objective of the present study was to produce controlled release Voriconazole Nanosponges for topical and oral delivery. Nanosponges using three different polymers ethyl cellulose, Poly (methyl methacrylate) and Pluronic F-68 (poloxamer 188) were prepared successfully using PVA as surfactant by emulsion solvent evaporation method. The effects of different drug: polymer ratios, surfactant concentration, stirring speeds and time, sonication time on the physical characteristics of the nanosponges as well as the drug entrapment efficiency of the nanosponges were investigated. Particle size analysis and surface morphology of nanosponges were performed. The scanning electron microscopy of nanosponges showed that they were spherical in shape and spongy in nature. The particle size of the optimized formulations was in the range of 200-400nm and the drug entrapment efficiency was found to be in the range of 69.8 % to 72.5%. These nanosponge formulations were prepared as gel using carbopol 971P and studied for pH, viscosity, in vitro drug release, antimicrobial activity. Of the various formulations prepared E2, P2 and F2 were found to show the maximum drug release of 92.76%, 91.84% and 95.88% respectively at 1:2 drug: polymer ratio. The antifungal activity of the optimized formulations was evaluated in vivo in Male Wistar rats in comparison with marketed Flucos gel. The optimized nanosponge formulations were selected for preparing nanosponge tablets for controlled drug delivery by oral route. These tablets were prepared using microcrystalline cellulose and were evaluated for hardness, friability, drug content and in vitro drug release studies.
