Development of a topical mupirocin spray for antibacterial and wound-healing applications

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop mupirocin topical spray using Eudragit E100 as a film-forming agent for the treatment of bacterial skin infections as well as to promote wound healing.

Materials and methods: Twenty-seven of mupirocin formulations were formulated containing Eudragit E100 and other excipients. Mupirocin spray was prepared by aerosol crimping and filling machine using HFA-134a as a propellant. The formulations were evaluated for their stability and physicochemical properties. The factorial study was applied to evaluate the effects of glycerol and PEG400 on mupirocin-loaded Eudragit E100 films. The optimized formulation was assessed of drug release, antibacterial activities and in vitro cell line studies in comparison to the ointment formulation.

Results and discussion: Mupirocin sprays were formulated and optimized to obtain the formulation with excellent physicochemical and mechanical properties of the dressing film. The formulation had an excellent stability up to a year with more than 80% of mupirocin content. Mupirocin was released from the film up to 90% within 2 h. The formulation had a potent antibacterial effect against S. aureus and S. epidermidis. The formulation was safe to use as a topical formulation that had no toxicity to keratinocytes, fibroblasts and monocytes. The formulation also had an antiendotoxin effect without stimulating the production of NO and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α).

Conclusions: Mupirocin topical spray was successful developed as a topical formulation and can be used instead of the ointment formulation. Animal experiments are warranted to further emphasize the safe use in the human skin.

Keywords:

• Mupirocin
• topical spray
• Eudragit E100
• anti-infectives
• biomaterials
• wound healing

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the Drug Delivery System Excellence Center and Nanotech-PSU Excellence Center on Drug Delivery System for the use of their facilities. We would also like to thank the reviewers of this article and Dr. Brian Hodgson for comments and assistance with the English.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declarations of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by the Thailand Research Fund through the Royal Golden Jubilee Ph.D. Program (PHD/0062/2557 to R. Sritharadol).