Ketoconazole-conjugated ZnO nanoparticles based semi-solid formulation and study their impacts on skin disease.

In this study, the ketoconazole-conjugated zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were prepared in a single-step approach using dextrose as an intermediate compound. The physical parameters confirmed the drug conjugation with ZnO and their size was around 70-75 nm. The drug loading and in vivo drug release studies indicated that the -CHO group from the dextrose increase the drug loading up to 65% and their release kinetics were also studied. The anti-fungal studies indicated that the prepared nanoparticles exhibit strong anti-fungal activity and the minimum concentration needed is 10 mg/ml. The nanoparticles loaded semi-solid gel was prepared using carbopol, methylparaben, propyl paraben and propylene glycol. The in vitro penetration of the ketoconazole-conjugated nanoparticles was studied using the skin. The results indicated that the semi-solid gel preparations influenced the penetration and also favoured the accumulation into the skin membrane. The veterinary clinical studies indicated that the prepared gel is highly suitable for treatment of Malassezia.