In vitro and in vivo characterization of clotrimazole-loaded poly-Ɛ-caprolactone nanocapsules for cutaneous candidiasis

Abstract Background One major obstacle facing the medical community in treating skin infections is the growing emergence of Candida species resistance to conventional medications. A Carbopol-based gel containing embedded clotrimazole nanocapsules (CLO-NCs) has recently been suggested as a way to improve the efficacy of topical treatment of cutaneous candidiasis. The technique of nanoprecipitation was used to create CLO-NCs. The physicochemical characteristics of the produced CLO-NCs were examined and optimized, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency (%EE), and particle size (PS). Evaluations were conducted on in vitro release, skin penetration, in vitro antifungal assay, and in vivo efficacy against infected rats. Results The optimized CLO-NCs showed PS of 226.7 ± 0.17 nm, ZP − 58.2 ± 0.23 mV, and % EE 89.83 ± 0.76%. Additionally, CLO-NC gel showed pseudoplastic rheological behavior, pH, and spreadability. Notably, the permeation of CLO-NCs gel showed a twofold enhancement compared to CLO gel. Crucially, CLO-NC gel’s antifungal activity was 2.24 times greater in an in vitro antifungal assay than in CLO gel. Research conducted in vivo revealed that the treatment period for the animal group receiving CLO-NC gel was shortened by 1.5 times. Conclusion Thus, research showed that CLO-NCs may be an effective drug delivery system with good antifungal capability and increased penetration.