Chitosan film containing antifungal agent-loaded SLNs for the treatment of candidiasis using a Box-Behnken design

The aim of this study was to combine fluconazole (FZ)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (FZ-SLNs) and chitosan films (C-films) for the potential administration of FZ across the buccal mucosa using a Box-Behnken design. The chitosan films containing FZ-SLNs (C-FS-films) and C-films were prepared using a film casting method. The ATR-FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of hydrogen bonds between the NH3+ groups of chitosan and the OH or COO- groups of glyceryl monostearate in the films. Additionally, FESEM analysis of the morphology of C-FS-films revealed the presence of FZ-SLNs in the films. Permeation studies using porcine buccal mucosa demonstrated that FZ from the C-FS-films was more permeable than in C-films. The antifungal activity of the C-FS-films was evaluated against Candida albicans, and inhibition zones were observed. Thus, C-FS-films represent an exciting drug carrier for the treatment of candidiasis via the buccal mucosa.