Formulation and evaluation of carbon nanotubes for topical drug delivery

Abstract

The carbon nanotubes represent an innovative platform for controlled and targeted drug release in several biomedical applications. Carbon nanotube is one of the most efficient dispersed nano-systems with narrow size distribution ranges from 10-240 nm. Carbon nanotubes possess the remarkable electrical, thermal, mechanical conductivity which enables carbon nanotubes to be functionalized to enhance the solubility as well as biocompatibility of poorly bioavailable drugs. Further it can be converted to normal conventional system which is easy to use such as gel. The purpose of this study is to develop a stable nanotube based gel for topical application of fluconazole (BCS Class-II), having low solubility and high permeability to improve its solubility and hence cutaneous deposition to give local effect. The functionalization of pristine nanotubes was done using PEG-400 initially. Six batches (F1-F6) of drug loaded functionalized nanotubes was prepared using ethanol and water (2:1) which was tested for % drug loading and high drug loaded batch was selected for conversion to gel (NTG1-NTG4) with carbopol 934 and HPMC as gelling agent. Formulations were evaluated for FTIR studies, % drug loading.