β-Cyclodextrin-Coated Fluconazole Nanosuspensions: Formulation and Evaluation for Enhanced Ocular Delivery

Background : Fluconazole, a potent antifungal agent, faces challenges in ocular therapy due to its poor aqueous solubility and limited bioavailability. Nanosuspensions formulations coated with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) have the potential to enhance the delivery and therapeutic efficacy of such poorly soluble drugs. The study aimed to developβ-CD coated fluconazole nanosuspensions and evaluate their physicochemical properties, cytotoxicity and potential for improved ocular drug delivery. Methods : Fluconazole nanosuspensions were prepared using solvent evaporation method. The formulations were characterised for particle size, zeta potential, drug encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release profile. Cytotoxicity studies were performed using human corneal cells (HCET). Results : The results demonstrated that β-CD coating significantly improved the drug solubility and stability of drug. The particle size of coated nanosuspensions was found to be 275.39± 20.24 nm. In vitro evaluations showed prolonged drug release (83.24 ± 5.31%) at ocular surface. Additionally, the prepared nanosuspensions showed minimal cytotoxic effects which indicate the good biocompatibility of the prepared formulation for ocular use. Conclusion : The findings suggest thatβ-CD coated fluconazole nanosuspensions are a promising candidate for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of fluconazole in ocular infections and can be used as an alternative to conventional dosage forms.