Antifungal activity of clotrimazole microspheres vs. Candida albicans
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Evaluation of antifungal activity of clotrimazole microspheres with different polymers against candida albicans
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Koteswara Rao Pachava, K. Kamalakanth Shenoy,Varanasi S. N. Murthy, Lakshmi Kavitha Nadendla
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Evaluation of antifungal activity of clotrimazole microspheres with different polymers against candida albicans
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigates the antifungal activity of clotrimazole microspheres against Candida albicans, utilizing different polymers to create controlled drug delivery systems. Given the rising prevalence of fungal infections and resistance to antifungal medications, developing effective delivery methods is crucial. Microspheres have gained attention for their ability to provide sustained release of therapeutics, thereby enhancing the efficacy of the administered drug and potentially reducing toxicity.
Comparative Antifungal Efficacy of Clotrimazole Microspheres
The research highlights that clotrimazole microspheres prepared with various polymers display varying levels of antifungal activity. In particular, the study shows that pure clotrimazole powder (Cp) demonstrated the highest mean inhibitory diameter (MID) of 36 ± 1.74mm at a 1% w/v concentration after 24 hours. However, microspheres formulated with chitosan (CMC) followed at a significantly lower MID of 20 ± 1.71mm, indicating a slower initial release of the drug when compared to the pure powder.
Sustained Release Properties of Microparticles
A significant finding of the study is the change in MID after 48 hours, which revealed a notable increase in the CMC group, reaching 26.1 ± 3.27mm. In contrast, the MID for the pure clotrimazole powder remained unchanged at 1% concentration. This suggests that the microspheres could be an effective controllable drug delivery system, as they allow for a gradual release of the antifungal agent, potentially providing prolonged therapeutic effects.
Analysis of Different Polymer Types
Among the polymers tested (HPMC, Ethyl Cellulose (EC), PLGA, and chitosan), the results indicated that the CMC formulation provided a superior antifungal effect over other polymers. While the initial efficacy at 24 hours favored pure clotrimazole, the sustained activity observed in the CMC microsphere formulation over time positions it as a better option for long-term treatment and management of candidiasis.
Conclusion
In summary, the study underscores the potential of clotrimazole microspheres, particularly those made with chitosan, as effective antifungal agents against Candida albicans. The initial higher antifungal activity of pure clotrimazole does not outlast the 48-hour period when considering the slow release properties of the microspheres, which enhances their overall therapeutic potential. Therefore, such controlled release systems can be valuable in clinical settings to improve treatment outcomes for fungal infections.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the aim of the study on clotrimazole microspheres?
The study aims to compare the antifungal activity of clotrimazole microspheres made with different natural and synthetic polymers against Candida albicans at various concentrations.
What polymers were used to prepare clotrimazole microspheres?
Clotrimazole microspheres were prepared using hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), ethyl cellulose (EC), poly lactic glycolic acid (PLGA), and chitosan.
How was the antifungal activity of clotrimazole tested?
The antifungal activity was tested using the agar diffusion well punch method at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% after 24 and 48 hours.
What were the results after 24 hours of testing?
After 24 hours, pure clotrimazole powder showed a mean inhibitory diameter of 36 ± 1.74mm, while chitosan microspheres had 20 ± 1.71mm at 1% concentration.
What happened to the inhibitory diameter after 48 hours?
After 48 hours, the mean inhibitory diameter of chitosan microspheres increased to 26.3 ± 3.43mm, while the diameter of pure clotrimazole did not change significantly.
What conclusion was drawn regarding chitosan microspheres?
Chitosan microspheres showed better antifungal activity compared to other polymer microspheres, suggesting that they can be used as a controllable drug delivery system.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antifungal activity of clotrimazole microspheres vs. Candida albicans”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
In this context, 'drug' refers specifically to clotrimazole, an antifungal agent effective against Candida albicans. The study involves assessing the efficacy of this drug in different formulations (microspheres) and concentrations. The development of drug delivery systems plays a critical role in improving therapeutic outcomes and addressing issues of efficacy and resistance.
2) Activity:
The term 'activity' pertains to the antifungal effectiveness of clotrimazole when delivered in different forms, notably microspheres. The study focuses on measuring this activity through the mean inhibitory diameter, which quantifies the ability of clotrimazole to inhibit fungal growth over specified time intervals.
3) Study (Studying):
The 'study' refers to the scientific research undertaken to evaluate and compare the efficacy of clotrimazole microspheres against Candida albicans. It aims to enhance understanding of drug delivery systems and their role in managing fungal infections, establishing a basis for further research and clinical applications.
4) Science (Scientific):
In this document, 'science' encapsulates the methodological and analytical approaches used in the research. It signifies the rigorous, evidence-based investigation aimed at understanding antifungal efficacy, showcasing the importance of scientific techniques in developing effective treatments for diseases caused by fungal infections.
5) Powder:
'Powder' indicates the pure form of clotrimazole used in the study as a comparison against its microsphere formulations. It serves as a control to evaluate the efficacy of the microsphere formulations, highlighting the importance of comparing different drug forms in experimental research.
6) Filling (Filled):
'Filled' refers to the process of populating agar wells with various concentrations of clotrimazole and its microsphere formulations. This step is crucial for conducting the antifungal assay, as it provides the conditions necessary for measuring the drug's inhibitory effects on fungal growth.
7) India:
'India' denotes the geographical context of the research and institutions involved, such as Kamineni Institute of Dental Sciences and Acharya Nagarjuna University. The research's location contributes to the significance of addressing local health issues, including the prevalence of fungal infections among populations in India.
8) Toxicity:
'Toxicity' relates to the potential adverse effects associated with drugs, including clotrimazole. Understanding the toxicity profile is essential in drug development, as the aim is to maximize efficacy while minimizing harmful effects on patients, especially in the context of long-term use and resistance.
9) Disease:
'Disease' in this context refers to fungal infections caused by organisms such as Candida albicans. The study aims to combat diseases like oral candidiasis by improving drug delivery systems, thus enhancing treatment options and addressing the growing global health challenge posed by fungal pathogens.
10) Medium:
'Medium' refers to the agar used in the microbiological assays to culture and evaluate the antifungal activity of clotrimazole. The choice of medium is critical, as it directly influences the growth of target organisms and the ability to accurately assess drug efficacy.
11) Water:
'Water' is involved in the preparation of various solutions and suspensions needed for drug formulation and microbial culture. It acts as a solvent in the preparation process, illustrating the role of solvent media in achieving appropriate concentrations necessary for effective drug testing.
12) Table:
'Table' refers to the organized presentation of data showcasing the mean inhibitory diameters (MID) across different forms and concentrations of clotrimazole. The table aids in clearly communicating the results of the study, facilitating comparison, and providing a visual summary of the findings.
13) Discussion:
'Discussion' encompasses the section where the implications of the study's results are analyzed. It draws connections to existing literature, evaluates the significance of findings, and addresses the broader context of antifungal research, emphasizing the study's contributions to the field and potential future directions.
14) Karnataka:
'Karnataka' is a state in India that serves as the location for several academic and research institutions mentioned in the study. It highlights the regional context of the research within India, underscoring the local health challenges addressed by this antifungal investigation.
15) Nagarjuna:
'Nagarjuna' references Acharya Nagarjuna University. Its inclusion highlights the contribution of academic institutions to scientific research, particularly in pharmaceutical sciences. The university's involvement emphasizes the collaboration between educational establishments and healthcare advancements in tackling public health issues.
16) Varanasi (Varanashi):
'Varanasi' refers to the city associated with one of the study's researchers, Varanasi S. N. Murthy. The connection to this city underscores the collaborative nature of research across different regions, bringing diverse expertise together to address health care challenges like fungal infections.
17) Medicine:
'Medicine' in this text refers to both the academic discipline and the application of medical knowledge to treat diseases, particularly in managing infections like oral candidiasis. It highlights the intersection of pharmaceutical research and clinical practice in improving health outcomes for patients.
18) Lakshmi (Laksmi):
'Lakshmi' is the name of one of the researchers, Lakshmi Kavitha Nadendla, involved in the study. Her contributions, alongside those of the other researchers, showcase the collaborative efforts in scientific research, bringing together multiple experts to investigate important health issues.
19) Species:
'Species' relates specifically to Candida albicans, which is the focus of the study. Understanding the characteristics and behaviors of this fungal species is crucial for developing targeted treatments and addressing the challenges posed by opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals.
20) Post:
'Post' signifies the actions taken after conducting experiments, particularly in the analysis and discussion of results. It reflects on the importance of evaluating outcomes, drawing conclusions, and contributing knowledge to the scientific community regarding antifungal strategies and their effectiveness.