Enhanced Antifungal Efficacy of Transferosomal Gel Containing Clotrimazole and Miconazole Nitrate: A Novel Approach for Topical Treatment by QbD

Aim: This study focuses on developing and evaluating a transferosomal gel containing clotrimazole and miconazole nitrate, antifungal medications used to treat fungal infections, including superficial tinea and nail infections. Materials and Methods: The MI-CTM transferosomes were created using rotary film evaporation and optimized using the Box-Behnken statistical design. They were evaluated for drug concentration, viscosity, Spreadability, pH, and in vitro release kinetics after being embedded in a Carbopol 934 gel. Results: Particle sizes ranging from 145 +/- 0.604 nm to 760 +/- 0.684 nm and a zeta potential ranging from -2.8 to -41.8, the produced MIC transferosomes exhibited a high EE% ranging from 15.6 +/- 0.66%) to (80.25 +/- 1.85%). Transferosomes' surface morphology was assessed using a scanning electron microscope, and it was discovered that the vesicles had a spherical form. A 24 hr in vitro release study was conducted for the optimized formulation, showing improved drug release of 86.94% and 89.87% CDR for clotrimazole and miconazole nitrate, respectively. After conducting a kinetic release research, the formulation for miconazole nitrate and the clotrimazole medication followed the non-Fickian transport mechanism described by Peppas and first order kinetics, respectively. There was no noticeable deterioration of the medication based on the stability data, which included no appreciable changes in pH, drug content, or cumulative percentage drug release. Conclusion: Miconazole nitrate and clotrimazole in transferosomal gel, thus, increase medication application frequency while simultaneously enhancing patient compliance.