Development, optimization and evaluation of polymeric electrospun nanofiber: A tool for local delivery of fluconazole for management of vaginal candidiasis

Abstract

The present study is designed to explore the localized delivery of fluconazole using mucoadhesive polymeric nanofibers. Drug-loaded polymeric nanofibers were fabricated by the electrospinning method using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the polymeric constituent. The prepared nanofibers were found to be uniform, non-beaded and non-woven, with the diameter of the fibers ranging from 150 to 180 nm. Further drug release studies indicate a sustained release of fluconazole over a period of 6 h. The results of studies on anti-microbial activity indicated that drug-loaded polymeric nanofibers exhibit superior anti-microbial activity against Candida albicans, when compared to the plain drug.

Keywords::

• electrospinning
• fluconazole
• nanofiber
• Vaginal candidiasis

Acknowledgement

The authors, Mr. Goutam Rath & Dr. Amit K. Goyal, are thankful to Department of Biotechnology (DBT), New Delhi, INDIA for providing financial assistance to carry out research.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declarations of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.