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Antifungal Efficacy of Luliconazole-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid-Carrier Gel in an Animal Model of Dermatophytosis

Summary

Researchers developed a new antifungal gel containing luliconazole loaded into tiny lipid nanoparticles to treat stubborn fungal skin infections caused by Trichophyton indotineae that resist standard terbinafine treatment. Testing in guinea pigs showed this new nanoformulation penetrated skin better and cleared infections faster (21 days) compared to regular luliconazole gel (28 days) and terbinafine-treated animals. The nanoparticle delivery system improved the drug’s ability to reach infected skin layers and showed no harmful side effects, offering promise for treating resistant fungal infections in patients.

Background

Trichophyton indotineae terbinafine-resistant dermatophytosis infections are emerging as a significant clinical challenge. Luliconazole, an imidazole antifungal agent, is effective against fungal skin infections but suffers from low water solubility and poor skin penetration, limiting its therapeutic efficacy.

Objective

This study aimed to formulate a luliconazole-loaded nanostructured lipid-carrier (NLC) gel in a Carbopol-based system to enhance drug absorption and antifungal efficacy against dermatophytosis in a guinea pig model of Trichophyton indotineae infection.

Results

LCZ-NLC demonstrated significantly better skin penetration (71.8 ± 3.7 μg/cm²) compared to simple luliconazole gel (50.9 ± 4.2 μg/cm²) after 24 hours. Both formulations achieved complete infection resolution, with LCZ-NLC 1% gel showing superior efficacy by day 21 compared to terbinafine and controls, with significant reduction in lesion scores and mycological evidence of infection.

Conclusion

Luliconazole-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers enhance drug absorption and antifungal efficacy, suggesting potential for shorter treatment durations and improved outcomes for terbinafine-resistant dermatophytosis. Further clinical studies are needed to validate these findings in human patients.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:In Vivo Animal Model Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof11040324; PMID: 40278144
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