EARLY-STAGE INSIGHTS FOR DEVELOPING MICONAZOLE-BASED MICROEMULSIONS FOR BUCCAL APPLICATION
MARINA-THEODORA TALIANU 1, CRISTINA-ELENA DINU-PÎRVU 1,2, MIHAELA-VIOLETA GHICA 1,2*, VALENTINA ANUȚA 1,2, RĂZVAN-MIHAI PRISADA 1,2, LĂCRĂMIOARA POPA 1,2
1 Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956, Bucharest, Romania
2 Innovative Therapeutic Structures Research and Development Centre, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956, Bucharest, Romania
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The present study covered the development and characterization of microemulsions for buccal delivery of miconazole as a potent antifungal agent with activity in oral candidiasis. In a first attempt, apparent miconazole solubility in different excipients (oils, surfactants, cosurfactants) was established, and then, different microemulsions containing oleic acid 5%, Tween 20 40%, polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) 0 - 20% and xylitol 5% were prepared using water titration method. The resulting systems were first characterized considering preliminary parameters of pH, conductivity and refractive index, and then analysed with emphasis on droplet size, rheological behaviour, superficial properties and release kinetics. Considering the formulation factors' influence on microemulsion formation, a model system with good characteristics presented Newtonian behaviour, reduced droplet size, hydrophilic character and adequate release, obtained with the maximum concentration of PEG 400 and reduced water content. Conceived as a novel formulation for miconazole delivery, the obtained microemulsion can be further researched as a sprayable or mucoadhesive formulation with potential application in oral candidiasis.
