Lavender‐Oil Fusidic Acid Nanoemulgel: A Novel Strategy Against Fusidic Acid‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

ABSTRACT Novel and effective topical therapies are needed to combat antibiotic‐resistant bacteria like FRSA strains. This work developed and tested a topical Fusidic acid (FA) nanoemulgel for antibacterial activity. Initial solubility testing was performed, confirming lavender oil as the most efficient solvent for FA and identifying Tween 80 and Span 80 as the optimal surfactant and cosurfactant blend, respectively. Nanoemulsions were successfully prepared using the self‐emulsifying method, with optimization guided by ternary phase diagrams. Subsequent incorporation into a Carbopol 940 hydrogel matrix yielded the final nanoemulgel formulations. Detailed physicochemical characterization demonstrated the success of the system: the FA nanoparticles exhibited an average size of 119.28 nm, a narrow size distribution reflected by a PDI below 0.2, and a strong stabilizing negative zeta potential exceeding −40 mV. Rheological assessment confirmed favorable pseudoplastic flow characteristics across all hydrogel concentrations. Critically, the formulation containing 0.4% Carbopol achieved the superior in vitro drug release performance. The final FA nanoemulgel exhibited potent antimicrobial activity, successfully combatting FRSA strains that were resistant to available commercial market products. In conclusion, this nanoemulgel offers a highly effective strategy for enhanced topical delivery of FA, demonstrating significant clinical promise as a treatment for resistant bacterial skin infections.