Polymeric nanosponges as an alternative carrier for improved retention of econazole nitrate onto the skin through topical hydrogel formulation.

The present study was carried out to exploit the feasibility of using polymeric nanosponges as an alternative carrier for targeting econazole nitrate (EN) to the skin through topical hydrogel formulation. Nanosponges prepared by emulsion solvent diffusion method were evaluated for various physicochemical parameters and in vitro drug release. The nanosponges of EN were discrete free flowing nanosized particles with perforated orange peel like morphology as visualized by SEM. The nanosponge formulated using PVA:EC (3:2) displayed highest in vitro release after 12?h in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) that fitted matrix model. Selected nanosponge was formulated as Carbopol 934 NF hydrogel using varying concentrations of permeation enhancers propylene glycol and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. The EN nanosponge-loaded hydrogels (F0?F7) were evaluated for pharmacotechnical properties and irritation studies on rat skin. On the basis of various evaluation parameters F7 with an equilibrium swelling of 0.944?g/g after 4?h, low firmness and high adhesiveness, a flux rate of 1540.2 (?g/cm(2).h) and that exhibited a controlled release of EN for 12?h was selected as best hydrogel. The DRS and DSC spectra of F7 confirmed stability of drug in the delivery system and absence of drug polymer interaction in nanosponges.