Abstract
Background and Objective: Nano-particles gained a new attention in the last decades for control of fungal infections, resistance and mutations. This work aimed to formulate fluconazole (FLU) in form of nano-particles (NPs) using ethylcellulose and eudragit RS 100 polymers in different ratios to reach to smallest particle size. Materials and Methods: Six formulae were prepared using solvent evaporation technique. The prepared formulae were characterized for size analysis, the ability to encapsulate drug, NPs photographs, drug release, from the smallest particulate size and antifungal activity against Candida albicans in comparison with raw FLU. Results: Revealed that FLU-eudragit RS 100 NPs had smaller sizes than ethylcellulose NPs. Formula of FLU: eudragit RS 100 ratio (1: 1.5, F6) achieved size 212 +/- 21 nm with highest encapsulation of 69.3%+/- 2.1. Transmission electron microscope image confirmed the spherical nature of the prepared NPs. Drug release study from NPs showed prolonged FLU release (90% after 8 h) in comparing with raw FLU release of 90% after 1 h. Data of anti-fungal activity revealed that improvement of anti-fungal activity by about 1.45 fold of formula 6 in comparing with raw FLU. Conclusion: Finally, FLU-eudragit RS 100 NPs achieved smaller NPs sizes in comparing with FLU-ethylcellulose NPs. In addition to FLU release was extended which decreasing dosing frequency moreover, anti-fungal activity was improved significantly, that could enhance patient's convenience and acceptance.