International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
Volume 15, Issue 3

QbD-Based Formulation, Optimization and In-vitro Antifungal Evaluation of Sulconazole-Loaded Nanosponges Encapsulated in Hydrogel

Jhansi Rani Mallam1*, Nagaraju Ravouru2 

1Dr. Anji Reddy College of Pharmacy, Piduguralla-522413, Andhra Pradesh, India

2Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam (Women’s University) Tirupati-517502, Andhra Pradesh, India 

Received: 7th May, 2025; Revised: 29th Jun, 2025; Accepted: 14th Jul, 2025; Available Online: 25th Sep, 2025 

ABSTRACT

Using a QbD framework, this study developed and optimized a nanosponge-based hydrogel system for topical delivery of Sulconazole. CCD was used to identify the ideal concentrations of Ethyl Cellulose (polymer) and PVA (surfactant), with particle size and entrapment efficiency as critical responses. Nanosponges were produced via emulsion solvent evaporation and evaluated using FTIR, DSC, SEM, zeta potential, and UV spectroscopy. The optimized formulation, F11, achieved a size of 265.7 nm, zeta potential of −23.54 mV, PDI of 0.286, and high %EE and %DL. Hydrogel prepared using Carbopol 940 exhibited appropriate pH, viscosity, spreadability, and sustained drug release up to 12 hours. Antifungal evaluation confirmed potent MIC and MFC values against C. albicans and A. niger, with F11 outperforming both the pure drug and commercial cream in all microbiological assays.

Keywords: Sulconazole, Nanosponges, Hydrogel, QbD, Antifungal activity, Controlled release

How to cite this article: Jhansi Rani Mallam, Nagaraju Ravouru. QbD-Based Formulation, Optimization, and In-vitro Antifungal Evaluation of Sulconazole-Loaded Nanosponges Encapsulated in Hydrogel. International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology. 2025;15(3):966-74. doi: 10.25258/ijddt.15.3.9

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