Comparison between Ethylcellulose and Polymethacrylate Topical Nanosponges Loaded with Butenafi ne Hydrochloride

Abstract

In this study, nanosponges (NS) loaded with butenafi ne hydrochloride (a broad-spectrum benzylamine antifungal agent) were successfully prepared by emulsion solvent diff usion method using ethylcellulose or polymethacrylate as retarder polymers. PVA was used as a stabilizer. NS 18 formulations were formulated with various ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 (%, w/w), using diff erent PVA concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 (%, w/w). The prepared formulations were tested for particle size in terms of diameter, which ranged from (73.6 ± 15.4–991 ± 11.2 nm) for ethylcellulose NS, and from (116 ± 0.96–1439.6 ± 237.4 nm) for polymethacrylate NS. The entrapment effi ciency of the selected formulas (F1, F10) were (74.12 ± 2.60%) and (72.89 ± 1.41%). The selected formulas F1 and F10 were also evaluated for their polydispersity, yield, and in-vitro drug release. The release of BFNS powder in F10 (90.42 ± 1.81%) was higher than that of ECNS F1 powder (78.53 ± 3.24%) within 24 hours. Evaluation tests of the scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared ray (FTIR), and powder X-ray diff raction (PXRD) confi rmed the NS’ spherical and porous features, the absence of any drug polymer interaction, and the stability of the drug in the delivery system. The two formulas of F1 and F10 were found to exhibit prolonged drug release, which minimizes side eff ects and dosing frequency of BF drug application.