Formulation and In-Vitro Evaluation of Fluconazole Loaded Microsponge Gel For Topical Sustained Delivery

The objective of present work was to formulate and evaluate Fluconazole (FLZ) microsponges using quasi emulsion solvent diffusion technique and microsponge gel by using carbopol. Microsponges containing FLZ were obtained successfully with different proportions of ethyl cellulose polymer (EC). The formulations were studied for particle size and physical characterization. The physical characterization of the microsponge formulations showed better loading efficiency and production yield. The formulations were prepared as gel in 0.5%w/w carbopol and studied for pH, viscosity, spreadability, drug content, and in vitro release. All three microsponge gel formulations (i.e. FM7, FM8 and FM9) showed better results like pH between 6.5-7.0, viscosity between 62,800-62,768 cps, spreadability 2-6 cm/s and drug content of 76.20±0.02% to 96.41±0.01%. In-vitro diffusion studies of formulations were performed in Franz diffusion cell. Surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy showed micro-porous nature of microsponges. Sustained release was observed when compare with control formulation.