Nanoemulsion–Based Nail Lacquer of Clotrimazole for Enhanced Transungual Delivery: Formulation, Characterization, and Antifungal Activity–A Review

Abstract

Onychomycosis is an infection of the nail, which is difficult to treat because of the slightly keratinized structure of the nail plate, which slows drug penetration. Conventional topical formulations have reduced therapeutic efficiency, and antifungal therapies exhibit poor trans ungual permeation. This study focuses on the development of a nano-emulsion-based nail lacquer containing clotrimazole to enrich antifungal activity and enhance drug delivery to the nail plate. Clotrimazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent with low aqueous solubility; it is incorporated into a nano-emulsion system with suitable surfactants, co-solvents, and film-forming polymers. In this nano-emulsion, physicochemical characteristics were evaluated, such as droplet size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, pH, viscosity, drug content and stability. The prepared nail lacquer shows a uniform appearance, good film-forming ability, better adhesion, and prolonged residence time on the nail surface. Trans-ungual delivery is improved by enhancing drug permeation and sustained release characteristics. Due to potential drug penetration and retention within the nail matrix, antifungal studies show greater inhibition of fungal growth when compared to conventional topical formulations. Overall, findings support that nano-emulsion-based clotrimazole nail lacquer is a successful and effective drug delivery method for treatment of onychomycosis with enhanced patient compliance and therapeutic efficacy.