Introduction: The azole class of antifungal drugs is widely used to treat skin infec-tions. However, they have low local bioavailability due to poor penetration through the physio-logical barrier of the skin. To resolve this issue, an attempt has been made to fabricate Ebercona-zole nitrate cubosomes, which are added into a gel base for topical delivery. Methods: Cubosomes are prepared using the emulsification method, and the Box Behnken de-sign was applied for statistical analyses of selected formulation variables and optimization of the prepared batches. The optimized batches are subjected to various evaluation tests. Further, the hydrogel is prepared by incorporating an optimized batch of cubosomes (SO) and evaluated for in vitro diffusion, ex vivo permeation study, and stability studies. Results: The particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency of SO are found to be 116.9 - 156.6 nm, 0.158 - 0.255, 2.69 - 5.04 mV, and 94.01 - 95.33 %, respec-tively. The morphological analysis demonstrated that the vesicles are well isolated from one an-other and have a uniform size. The powder X-ray diffraction pattern depicted the conversion of the crystalline nature of the drug to an amorphous form. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrosco-py and Differential Scanning Calorimetry indicated absolute encapsulation of the drug inside the vesicles. The formulated hydrogel (EBN-CuG) showed desirable pH (6.9-7.4), viscosity (9000-12000 cps), spreadability (4.5-5.5 cm), and swelling (0.5-0.6 g/g). discussion: The in vitro drug release data indicated 77.75 % release at the end of 8h. Ex vivo skin permeation showed 94% permeation of the drug from the Wistar albino rat skin, which is higher than the conventional gel and marketed product. Discussion: The in vitro drug release data indicated 77.75 % release at the end of 8h. Ex vivo skin permeation showed 94% permeation of the drug through the Wistar albino rat skin, which is higher than the conventional gel and the marketed product. Conclusion: Considering all the results, it was proven that the drug from the cubosomal gel has higher permeation through the physiological barrier of the skin, and hence, it can be considered an effective alternative for treating fungal infections topically.
Khutkar et al. (Tue,) studied this question.