preparation, characterization and evaluation of antifungal efficacy of chitosan/soy phosphatidylcholine topical films containing griseofulvin

Background: griseofulvin is an antifungal drug and is available as oral dosage forms. development of topical treatment could be advantageous for superficial fungal infections of skin. the film forming property of chitosan has made it interesting for transdermal/dermal drug delivery, but showed lack of stability. soy phosphatidylcholine (pc), besides playing penetration enhancer and solubilizer roles, could enhance the stability and mechanical properties of the film. films prepared from a mixture of chitosan and pc can achieve the benefits of both materials. objectives: the aim of this study was to prepare and characterize films formed from blends of chitosan and soy pc for topical delivery of griseofulvin. materials and methods: topical films composed of chitosan and soy pc were prepared by means of casting and solvent evaporation technique. the properties of the films were characterized regarding mechanical properties, swelling, ability to transmit vapor, drug release, thermal behavior and antifungal efficacy against microsporum gypseum and epidermophyton floccosum. results: presence of soy pc improved mechanical properties, lowered swelling ratio and increased stability of the films. solubilizing activity of phospholipid resulted in higher flux of drug release from formulation containing higher amount of soy pc. antifungal efficacy of formulations was confirmed against two species of dermatophytes in vitro. conclusions: this topical composite film had the potential for griseofulvin delivery to superficial fungal infections.