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image of Design and Evaluation of Econazole-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Ocular Treatment of Fungal Keratitis: In vitro and Ex vivo Studies

Abstract

Background

Fungal keratitis (FK) is a major cause of eye morbidity and monocular blindness, particularly in humid climates. Ocular drug delivery is challenging due to anatomical barriers, tear flow, and nasal drainage, which reduce corneal penetration and decrease bioavailability. Conventional antifungal treatments often lack efficacy for deep keratitis. In order to address these limitations, this study explores encapsulating econazole into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs).

Objective

To optimize, develop, and characterize econazole-loaded NLCs for ocular drug delivery.

Methods

NLCs were prepared using a modified pre-emulsification and probe sonication technique with stearic acid as the solid lipid and oleic acid as the liquid lipid. The resulting nano-emulsion was homogenized, cooled, and incorporated into a Carbopol 940-based gel. Optimization was performed using JMP software.

Results and Discussion

Optimised NLCs exhibited a particle size of 192.3 nm, PDI of 0.207, and zeta potential of -44.8, indicating stability. Drug content was 85.18% in NLCs and 83.8% in the gel, with entrapment efficiency of 66.9%. studies showed 84.51% drug permeation from the gel over 17 hours compared to 89.37% in 12 hours from conventional formulations. Permeation data obtained from the study revealed steady-state flux . (Jss) to be 88.53µg/cm2/hr, permeability co-efficient 0.0216 cm/hr, diffusion co-efficient 0.00325cm/hr. Drug release followed zero-order kinetics with anomalous transport. Stability testing confirmed gel’s stability for three months. Thus, developed ocular gel prolonged therapeutic action, thereby reducing dosing frequency which not only enhances patient compliance but minimizes side effects highlighting the formulation’s potential for improved ocular drug delivery.

Conclusion

The econazole-loaded NLC gel enhanced ocular retention, bioavailability, and sustained release, offering a promising treatment for FK.

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2025-10-08
2026-01-28

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Design and Evaluation of Econazole-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Ocular Treatment of Fungal Keratitis: In vitro and Ex vivo Studies
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0122117385385940250917075923
/content/journals/pnt/10.2174/0122117385385940250917075923
/content/journals/pnt/10.2174/0122117385385940250917075923
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keywords: Fungal keratitis ; bioavailability ; encapsulation efficiency ; ocular delivery ; econazole ; Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs)

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