Chitosan decorated oleosomes loaded propranolol hydrochloride hydrogel repurposed for <i>Candida albicans</i> -vaginal infection
Moaz A. Eltabeeb, Menna M. Abdellatif, Mohamed A. El-Nabarawi, Mahmoud H. Teaima, Mohammed I A Hamed, Khaled M. Darwish, Mariam Hassan, Ahmed ME Hamdan, Raghda Rabe Hamed
Abstract
Aim: Our investigation aims to estimate the antifungal effect of propranolol hydrochloride (PNL). Methods: Oleosomes (OLs) were fabricated by thin-film hydration and evaluated for entrapment efficiency (EE%), particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), and amount of drug released after 6 h Q6h (%). Results: The optimal OL showed a rounded shape with optimum characteristics. The ex-vivo permeation and confocal laser scanning microscopy verified the prolonged release and well deposition of PNL-loaded OLs-gel. The in-silico assessment demonstrated the good stability of PNL with OLs' ingredients. In vivo evaluations for PNL-loaded OLs-gel showed a good antifungal impact against Candida albicans with good safety. Conclusion: This work highlights the potential of PNL-loaded OLs-gel as a potential treatment for candida vaginal infection.