Formulation and evaluation of microsponge based topical dosage form for treatment of acne vulgaris

Abstract

Acne Vulgaris is a prevalent skin disorder, primarily caused by the obstruction of sebaceous follicles with sebum, dead cells, and the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes. Current treatments often require frequent applications and have rapid drug release, reducing effectiveness and patient compliance. This research aims to create a topical gel that delivers drugs in a controlled manner, lowering application frequency and enhancing patient adherence. Nicotinamide and clindamycin phosphate microsponges were formulated using quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion. Critical variables in nicotinamide microsponge formulation were optimized via a 3² factorial design and incorporated into a Carbopol 934P gel base for evaluation. Optimized nicotinamide microsponges (300 mg drug, 60 mg stabilizer) showed desired properties: particle size of 103.33 µm, 47.41 entrapment efficiency, and sustained drug release over 8 hours. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed uniform, spherical, porous microsponges. Clindamycin phosphate microsponges batch C5 demonstrated optimal yield 75.65%, particle size 105.23 µm, and drug release 98.45 at 12 hours. Gel formulation G4 100 mg Carbopol 934P exhibited ideal viscosity, spreadability, and antimicrobial activity. This study developed a microsponge-based topical gel for acne with extended drug release, minimizing side effects and enhancing therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance.