Development and Evaluation of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Treatment of Cutaneous Candidiasis

Abstract

In 2021, the global cases of prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) of Fungal skin Disease were reported at 616.5 million, 1,729.2 million, and 3,429.5 thousand, respectively showing an increase of approximately 68% since 1990. It is a major challenge in front of healthcare professionals because of the increasing fungal burden all over the world. According to a WHO report in 2021, WHO developed its first-ever fungal priority pathogens list (WHO FPPL) in the context of increasing antifungal resistance to help galvanize global action, including the research and development (RandD) of new treatments. In this list, pathogens were ranked and then categorized into three critical priority groups (critical, high, and medium). Candida albicans were categorized in the top critical fungal pathogen group. Among 20 types of candida infections, Candida albicans is the predominant fungal pathogenic agent that causes candidiasis. The main challenges in treating candidiasis disease are low dermal availability due to poor aqueous solubility of the drug, poor drug retention under the skin, and a high relapse rate. Additionally, the conventional marketed formulations like gel and cream provide low dermal availability (less than 1%). Thus, fail to accumulate and retain inside the skin, and provide long relief despite their long 14-day antifungal therapy period. The marketed formulations also show many side effects like irritated skin, erythema, rashes, and redness due to the twice-a-day application. In the present investigation, Nano formulation was chosen because it enhances solubility and provides better bioavailability and targeted therapeutic effect. newlineThe present study aimed to enhance the dermal availability of Clotrimazole (CLZ) and Luliconazole (LCZ) than the marketed formulation. Also, it would provide better patient compliance by providing a better cure rate and reducing the dosing frequency to once a day. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were selected for drug delivery as they provide a controll