Authors : Ritesh Fule; Krunal Bisandre

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/y2rr2eme

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2bn6rwek

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar278

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Abstract : Tioconazole is a broad-spectrum imidazole antifungal drug widely used in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis and other fungal infections; however, its clinical performance is often limited by its poor aqueous solubility, as it belongs to Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) class II, exhibiting low solubility and high permeability. This study develops Tioconazole-loaded liquid crystalline nanostructures (cubosomes) as an improved drug delivery technology to overcome current formulation limitations. Cubosomes were prepared using the emulsification method, employing glycerol monooleate as the lipid phase, which facilitates the formation of self-assembled bicontinuous cubic liquid crystalline structures capable of enhancing drug solubilization and controlled release. The developed cubosomal system aims to improve the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of Tioconazole, thereby enhancing its therapeutic efficacy in the management of vaginal yeast infections. The nanostructured lipid matrix provides a large internal surface area and unique three-dimensional architecture that enables efficient drug encapsulation and sustained drug release. Furthermore, the cubosomal formulation is expected to enhance drug permeation and localized antifungal activity at the site of infection. Considering that no advanced liquid crystalline formulation of Tioconazole is currently available in the market, the proposed system represents a promising strategy for improving the pharmacological performance of Tioconazole and may serve as a potential platform for the development of effective topical or intravaginal antifungal therapies.

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