Formulation and Evaluation of Nanosponges Hydrogel for Topical Drug Delivery Containing Griseofulvin

The objective of the present study was to formulate Griseofulvin nanosponges hydrogel for topical delivery to treat topical fungal infection. Conventional dosage forms of Griseofulvin are available, but they show variation in bioavailability and they are associated with a number of toxicities when administered orally. To overcome these problems, the inclusion of Griseofulvin in topical gel formulation was approached with the aim of increasing permeability at the site of action which leads to improvement in bioavailability. The compatibility study of drug polymers and excipients was checked by FTIR studies. The Six formulations of nanosponges are formulated successfully using ethyl cellulose polymer and PVA as surfactant by using emulsion solvent diffusion method. The obtained nanosponges have been evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, XRD, surface morphology, entrapment efficiency, in-vitro drug release and stability studies. The scanning electron microscopy of nanosponges showed that Nanosponges are spherical in shape. Entrapment efficiency and in-vitro diffusion of optimized F5 formulation was found to be 73% to 93% respectively. The prepared nanosponges were formulated to hydrogels by simple dispersion method using carbopol 934 as a gelling agent and propylene glycol as permeation enhancer. Formulated hydrogel are evaluated for visual appearance, pH, spreadability, assay, and in vitro permeation. The evaluation results of Griseofulvin loaded nanosponges hydrogel show that G2 formulation increasing the solubility and permeability of poorly water soluble drug i.e. Griseofulvin.