Development and Optimization of Luliconazole Spanlastics to Augment the Antifungal Activity against Candida albicans

RETRACTED: Alhakamy et al. Development and Optimization of Luliconazole Spanlastics to Augment the Antifungal Activity against Candida albicans. Pharmaceutics 2021, 13, 977

The journal retracts the article, "Development and Optimization of Luliconazole Spanlastics to Augment the Antifungal Activity against Candida albicans" [...].

Reviving the interest in the versatile drug nystatin: A multitude of strategies to increase its potential as an effective and safe antifungal agent

Nystatin is an antifungal molecule with a remarkable yet squandered versatility. In this review, its mechanism of action is explored, along with its extensive action spectrum and toxicity. A multitude of methodologies to tackle the drug's physical and chemical hurdles are outlined along with some proven-effective strategies to increase its activity and/or decrease its toxicity. A separate detailed section focused on micro and nanotechnology solutions addresses new drug delivery systems made of polymeric, metallic or lipid materials. Although the topical route depicts greater representativeness amongst these formulations, the intravenous, dental, oral, vaginal and inhalation routes are also mentioned. The unsuccessful previous attempts at developing parenteral formulations of nystatin or even the withdrawal of a nystatin-loaded multilamellar liposome should not divert research away from this drug. In fact, the interest in nystatin ought to be reawakened with the ongoing clinical trials on the promising nystatin-like genetically engineered derivate BSG005.

Development of a Luliconazole Nanoemulsion as a Prospective Ophthalmic Delivery System for the Treatment of Fungal Keratitis: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

Luliconazole (LCZ), a novel imidazole drug, has broad-spectrum and potential antifungal effects, which makes it a possible cure for fungal keratitis; nevertheless, its medical use in ocular infections is hindered by its poor solubility. The purpose of this study was to design and optimize LCZ nanoemulsion (LCZ-NE) formulations using the central composite design-response surface methodology, and to investigate its potential in improving bioavailability following ocular topical administration. The LCZ-NE formulation was composed of Capryol 90, ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil, Transcutol® P and water. The shape of LCZ-NE was spherical and uniform, with a droplet size of 18.43 ± 0.05 nm and a low polydispersity index (0.070 ± 0.008). The results of an in vitro release of LCZ study demonstrated that the LCZ-NE released more drug than an LCZ suspension (LCZ-Susp). Increases in the inhibition zone indicated that the in vitro antifungal activity of the LCZ-NE was significantly improved. An ocular irritation evaluation in rabbits showed that the LCZ-NE had a good tolerance in rabbit eyes. Ocular pharmacokinetics analysis revealed improved bioavailability in whole eye tissues that were treated with LCZ-NE, compared with those treated with LCZ-Susp. In conclusion, the optimized LCZ-NE formulation exhibited excellent physicochemical properties, good tolerance, enhanced antifungal activity and bioavailability in eyes. This formulation would be safe, and shows promise in effectively treating ocular fungal infections.

Shea Butter Potentiates the Anti-Bacterial Activity of Fusidic Acid Incorporated into Solid Lipid Nanoparticle

Fusidic acid (FA) is an efficient anti-bacterial drug proven to be efficient against a wide range of bacteria. Nevertheless, the main restriction in its formulation is the limited solubility. To avoid such an obstacle, the drug is incorporated into the lipid core of the nanolipid formulation. Consequently, the present study was an attempt to formulate nanolipid preparation, mainly, solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) integrating FA. FA-SLN was prepared using shea butter as a lipid phase owing to its reported anti-bacterial activity. Different FA-SLNs were fabricated using the central composite design (CCD) approach. The optimized formula was selected and integrated into a hydrogel base to be efficiently used topically. FA-SLN-hydrogel was evaluated for its character, morphology, in vitro release and stability. The formula was examined for irritation reaction and finally evaluated for its anti-bacterial performance. The optimized formula showed particle size 283.83 nm and entrapment 73.057%. The formulated FA-SLN-hydrogel displayed pH 6.2, viscosity 15,610 cP, spreadability 51.1 mm and in vitro release 64.6% following 180 min. FA-SLN-hydrogel showed good stability for three months at different conditions (room temperature and refrigerator). It exhibited no irritation reaction on the treated rats. Eventually, shea butter displayed a noteworthy effect against bacterial growth that improved the effect of FA. This would indicate prospective anti-bacterial activity of FA when combined with shea butter in SLN formulation as a promising nanocarrier.

Spanlastics a Novel Nanovesicular Carrier: Its Potential Application and Emerging Trends in Therapeutic Delivery

Nanotechnology-based drug delivery system has played a very crucial role in overpowering the tasks allied with the conventional dosage form. Spanlastics, an elastic nanovesicle with an ability to carry wide range of drug molecules, make it a potential drug delivery carrier. Spanlastics have extended rising curiosity for diverse sort of route of administration. They can squeeze themselves through the skin pore due to elastic and deformable nature which makes them favorable for transdermal delivery. Spanlastics consist of non-ionic surfactant or blend of surfactants. Many researchers proved that spanlastics have been significantly augment therapeutic efficacy, enhanced drug bioavailability, and reduced drug toxicity. This review summarizes various vesicular systems, composition and structure of spanlastics, advantages of spanlastics over other drug delivery systems, and mechanism of drug penetration through skin. It also gives a brief on different types of drug encapsulated in spanlastics vesicles for the treatment of various diseases.

Multipotentiality of Luliconazole against Various Fungal Strains: Novel Topical Formulations and Patent Review

BACKGROUND

Luliconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent with impactful fungicidal and fungistatic activity. It has shown exceptional potency against miscellaneous fungal strains like Candida, Aspergillus, Malassezia, Fusarium species and various dermatophytes.

OBJECTIVE

Luliconazole belongs to class Ⅱ of the Biopharmaceutical Classification System with low aqueous solubility. Although it is available conventionally as 1% w/v topical cream, it has limitations of lower skin permeation and shorter skin retention. Therefore, nanoformulations based on various polymers and nanostructure carriers can be employed to overcome the impediments regarding topical delivery and efficacy of luliconazole.

METHODS

In this review, we have tried to provide insight into the literature gathered from authentic web resources and research articles regarding recent research conducted on the subject of formulation development, patents, and future research requisites of luliconazole.

RESULTS

Nanoformulations can play a fundamental role in improving topical delivery by escalating dermal localization and skin penetration. Fabricating luliconazole into nanoformulations can overcome the drawbacks and can efficiently enhance its antimycotic activity.

CONCLUSION

It has been concluded that luliconazole has exceptional potential in the treatment of various fungal infections, and therefore, it should be exploited to its maximum for its innovative application in the field of mycology.