Development and optimization of itraconazole-loaded topical gel using DESM technique

Year 2025, Volume: 29 Issue: 1, 115 - 122

Biswajit Banerjee Tripti Sharma , Ipsa Padhy Bikram Ghosh Arijit Mondal

Abstract

Deep eutectic solvent mixtures (DESM) are often less hazardous to human health, simpler to make, and cheaper than ionic liquids (ILs). Because of these benefits, there has been a recent uptick in the number of uses for DESM, such as using it as a solvent in a variety of different separation procedures. Itraconazole (ICZ) was classified as a BCS-II medication. DESM technique was used to enhance the solubility of the drug by reducing the crystallinity region of the drug molecule. In different molar ratios Drugs, carboxylic acid, and choline chloride were used. From the carboxylic acid urea showed the best solubility profile. So it was chosen for fabricating the topical gel formulations. The prepared gel exhibits a pH nearly equal to the skin pH. Increasing the carbopol amount increases the viscosity and decreases the spreadability. From the FTIR analysis, it was found that ICZ peaks were preserved in the formulations, and no extra peak suggested the absence of interaction between the drug and excipients. In the release study, it was found that the release of the drug was sustained by increases in the carbopol. Release kinetics showed the drug was released from the gel by both fickian and non-fickian mechanisms. From the docking study, it has been established that ICZ has a strong binding affinity towards candida pepsin-2 (-9.3Kcal/mol). From the above finding, it was established that the Development and optimization of itraconazole-loaded topical gel using DESM Technique was successfully prepared. In gist, it can be concluded that ICZ-based topical gel can be used against the fungal infection.

Keywords

DESM technique, itraconazole, fungal infection, carboxylic acids, sustained drug release

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