Development of a novel luliconazole transferosomal gel for enhanced antifungal delivery

Cutaneous fungal infections remain a global health concern, with dermatophytic infections such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm affecting millions of individuals. While luliconazole, an imidazole antifungal agent, is clinically effective against these conditions, its conventional topical formulations face major limitations including restricted skin permeability, low drug bioavailability, and the need for repeated daily application. To address these challenges, this study focused on developing a transferosomal gel formulation of luliconazole for dermal delivery.

Transferosomes are ultra-deformable lipid vesicles composed of phospholipids and surfactants that can squeeze through skin pores and penetrate the stratum corneum. Their flexibility and unique structural properties allow them to deliver drugs into deeper skin layers while simultaneously enhancing controlled release. In this study, transferosomes were synthesized using the thin film hydration technique with lecithin and Tween 80 as key excipients. The resulting vesicles were incorporated into a carbopol-based gel to provide a suitable medium for topical administration.

Physicochemical characterization demonstrated that the prepared transferosomes achieved high entrapment efficiency values of 74.45% and 92.75%, ensuring effective drug loading. Particle size analysis revealed nanoscale vesicles ranging from 60–200 nm, while scanning electron microscopy confirmed their spherical morphology. These structural features support enhanced dermal penetration and stable encapsulation of luliconazole.

Further evaluation of the gel formulation revealed favorable properties for patient use, including appropriate pH, drug content uniformity, spreadability, and viscosity. In vitro release studies indicated that higher entrapment efficiency was associated with slower release rates, suggesting a sustained release profile. This is beneficial for maintaining therapeutic drug levels in the skin over an extended period.

The antifungal activity of the transferosomal gel was rigorously assessed and demonstrated potent inhibition of dermatophytes, validating the therapeutic potential of the formulation. Compared to conventional preparations, the transferosomal gel offered controlled delivery, reduced dosing frequency, and enhanced antifungal efficacy.

In conclusion, the luliconazole transferosomal gel developed in this study represents a promising advancement in antifungal drug delivery. By combining high drug loading capacity, nanoscale vesicular design, and sustained release kinetics, the formulation addresses key shortcomings of traditional topical antifungal therapies. Its ability to deliver luliconazole efficiently into the skin layers while maintaining strong antifungal activity suggests that transferosome-based systems could improve patient adherence and overall clinical outcomes in the management of dermatophytic infections. This research lays the foundation for further preclinical and clinical investigations, ultimately supporting the translation of transferosomal gels into practical antifungal treatments.