FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF NANOGEL CONTAINING COMBINATION OF CLINDAMYCIN AND TRETINOIN FOR TOPICAL DELIVERY

This study presents the evaluation of Clindamycin and Tretinoin for a nanosponge-based topical gel formulation. Nanosponges loaded with the drugs showed white, solid appearances with mild odor. Particle sizes ranged from 55.85 nm to 100.00 nm; F3 had the smallest size (55.85 nm) and highest entrapment efficiency (95.72%). Zeta potential values between -10.6 mV and -14.0 mV indicated moderate colloidal stability. SEM imaging confirmed spherical, porous structures suitable for drug encapsulation. The optimized nanosponge formulation was incorporated into a gel, which was semisolid, yellowish, and homogeneous, with a pH of 5.9 and viscosity of 3416 ± 0.26 cps. It showed good spreadability (19.78 gm·cm/sec) and no skin irritation. In vitro drug release studies showed sustained release over 14 hours, with F3 achieving the highest cumulative release (96.28%). Kinetic modeling confirmed a Higuchi release profile (R² = 0.9953), suggesting diffusion-controlled release. Antimicrobial activity showed dose-dependent inhibition of S. aureus and E. coli, with greater activity at higher concentrations. Stability studies over 90 days showed no significant changes in pH or viscosity under accelerated conditions, confirming formulation stability. Overall, the nanosponge gel system offers a promising strategy for topical delivery of Clindamycin and Tretinoin.