Preparation of NLCs-Based Topical Erythromycin Gel: In Vitro Characterization and Antibacterial Assessment

Abstract

In the present study, erythromycin (EM)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were prepared by the emulsification and ultra-sonication method. EM-NLCs were optimized by central composite design using the lipid (A), pluronic F127 (B) and sonication time (C) as independent variables. Their effects were evaluated on particle size (Y1) and entrapment efficiency (Y2). The optimized formulation (EM-NLCs-opt) showed a particle size of 169.6 ± 4.8 nm and entrapment efficiency of 81.7 ± 1.4%. EM-NLCs-opt further transformed into an in-situ gel system by using the carbopol 940 and chitosan blend as a gelling agent. The optimized EM-NLCs in situ gel (EM-NLCs-opt-IG4) showed quick gelation and were found to be stable for more than 24 h. EM-NLCs-opt-IG4 showed prolonged drug release compared to EM in situ gel. It also revealed significant high permeation (56.72%) and flux (1.51-fold) than EM in situ gel. The irritation and hydration study results depicted no damage to the goat cornea. HET-CAM results also confirmed its non-irritant potential (zero score). EM-NLCs-opt-IG4 was found to be isotonic and also showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher antimicrobial activity than EM in situ gel. The findings of the study concluded that NLCs laden in situ gel is an alternative delivery of erythromycin for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis.

Cod liver oil nano-structured lipid carriers (Cod-NLCs) as a promising platform for nose to brain delivery: Preparation, in vitro optimization, ex vivo cytotoxicity & in vivo biodistribution utilizing radioiodinated zopiclone

“…Thus forming a rigid layer of surfactant around the formed particles, preventing drug leaking and offering better drug housing and so better drug EE% ( Abdelhakeem et al, 2021 ). These results came in agreement with the results found by Zafar et al ( Zafar et al, 2022 ) who prepared NLCs-based erythromycin gel and revealed that the increase of Pluronic F127 (poloxamer 407) from 2% to 5% was accompanied by an increase in EE %. The positive effect of surfactants on EE% was also reported by Gadhave et al ( Gadhave and Kokare, 2019 ) and Kataria et al ( Kataria et al, 2022 ).…”

Development of Tea Tree Oil Based Nanoemulgel Loaded with Azithromycin for Enhancing the Antibacterial Activity

“…The antimicrobial efficiency of the generated nanoemulgel loaded with AZ against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Gram-negative bacteria was evaluated utilizing the agar diffusion technique according to Zafar et al with some adjustment [28]. Initially, the Petri dishes were sterilized at 160 • C for 60 min in a hot-air oven [29].…”

“…Afterward, ten milliliters of sterile nutrient agar media, sterilized in an autoclave at 121 • C for 15 min, were added to each plate. The microorganism was introduced into the plates after solidification under aseptic conditions [28]. A cork borer was used to make three millimeter-diameter cups in the plate, and the samples (placebo nanoemulgel, AZ-loaded gel, and AZ-loaded nanoemulgel) were then inserted to test their effectiveness [30].…”

Eudragit® L100/Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanoparticles Impregnated Mucoadhesive Films as Ocular Inserts for Controlled Delivery of Erythromycin: Development, Characterization and In Vivo Evaluation

“…A literature survey revealed that there are a limited number of studies aimed at developing an effective system for the improved ocular delivery of ERY. In a recent study, ERY-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers showed a prolonged release of 24 h with an enhanced corneal permeation [ 24 ]. In another study, a prolonged release of ERY (8 h release) was also observed from an in situ ocular gel formulation [ 25 ].…”