Formulation of Miconazole-Loaded Chitosan-Carbopol Vesicular Gel: Optimization to In Vitro Characterization, Irritation, and Antifungal Assessment

Miconazole nitrate (MN) is a poorly water-soluble and antifungal drug used for fungal infections. The present research work was designed to develop topical MN-loaded bilosomes (BSs) for the improvement of therapeutic efficacy. MZBSs were prepared by using the thin-film hydration method and further optimized by using the Box-Behnken statistical design (BBD). The optimized miconazole bilosome (MZBSo) showed nano-sized vesicles, a low polydispersity index, a high entrapment efficiency, and zeta potential. Further, MZBSo was incorporated into the gel using carbopol 934P and chitosan polymers. The selected miconazole bilosome gel (MZBSoG2) demonstrated an acceptable pH (6.4 ± 0.1), viscosity (1856 ± 21 cP), and spreadability (6.6 ± 0.2 cm²). Compared to MZBSo (86.76 ± 3.7%), MZBSoG2 showed a significantly (p < 0.05) slower drug release (58.54 ± 4.1%). MZBSoG2 was found to be a non-irritant because it achieved a score of zero (standard score) in the HET-CAM test. It also exhibited significant antifungal activity compared to pure MZ against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. The stability study results showed no significant changes after stability testing under accelerated conditions. MZ-loaded gels could serve as effective alternative carriers for improving therapeutic efficacy.

Novel Siprulina platensis Bilosomes for Combating UVB Induced Skin Damage

The recent interest in bioactive compounds from natural sources has led to the evolution of the skin care industry. Efforts to develop biologically active ingredients from natural sources have resulted in the emergence of enhanced skin care products. Spirulina (SPR), a nutritionally enriched cyanobacteria-type microalga, is rich in nutrients and phytochemicals. SPR possesses antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities. Spirulina-loaded bilosomes (SPR-BS), a novel antiaging drug delivery system, were designed for the first time by incorporation in a lecithin−bile salt-integrated system for bypassing skin delivery obstacles. The optimized BS had good entrapment efficiency, small particle size, optimal zeta potential, and sustained drug release pattern. Blank and SPR-loaded BS formulations were safe, with a primary irritancy index of <2 based on the Draize test. In vivo tests were conducted, and photoprotective antiaging effects were evaluated visually and biochemically by analyzing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-wrinkling markers following ultraviolet (UV) B irradiation. Results of biochemical marker analysis and histopathological examination confirmed the superior antiaging effect of SPR-BS compared with SPR. Thus, SPR-loaded BS is a promising nanoplatform for SPR delivery, can be used for treating UV-induced skin damage, and offers maximum therapeutic outcomes.

Bile acid-based advanced drug delivery systems, bilosomes and micelles as novel carriers for therapeutics

Diabetes mellitus affects almost half a billion patients worldwide and results from either destruction of β-cells responsible for insulin secretion or increased tissue resistance to insulin stimulation and the reduction of glycemic control. Novel drug delivery systems can improve treatment efficacy in diabetic patients. The low aqueous solubility of most oral antidiabetic drugs decreases drug bioavailability; therefore, there is a demand for the use of novel methods to overcome this issue. The application of bile acids mixed micelles and bilosomes can provide an enhancement in drug efficacy. Bile acids are amphiphilic steroidal molecules that contain a saturated tetracyclic hydrocarbon cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene ring, and consist of three 6-membered rings and a 5-membered ring, a short aliphatic side chain, and a tough steroid nucleus. This review offers a comprehensive and informative data focusing on the great potential of bile acid, their salts, and their derivatives for the development of new antidiabetic drug delivery system.