Topical Transferosomal Nanogel of Tridax procumbens: Formulation, Characterization, and Antifungal Evaluation

The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a novel transferosomal nanogel containing Tridax procumbens extract, aimed at enhancing topical antifungal therapy. Transferosomes, known for their ultra-deformable lipid bilayer and high skin penetration potential, were prepared using the ethanol injection method with varying concentrations of phospholipids (soya lecithin) and edge activator (Tween 80). The optimized formulation (F7) exhibited the highest entrapment efficiency (80.23%) and nanoscale particle size (~183 nm), with a stable zeta potential of –27 mV, indicating good colloidal stability.

The optimized transferosomal formulation was incorporated into a gel base using Carbopol 934 to form the transferosomal nanogel. Among the various formulations, TF7G2 showed optimal physicochemical properties including suitable pH (6.72), excellent spreadability (75.23 g.cm/sec), viscosity (41,256 cP), and high drug content (81.56%). In vitro diffusion studies using a Franz diffusion cell demonstrated a sustained drug release of 82.54% over 8 hours, following Peppas release kinetics.

The results suggest that the transferosomal nanogel significantly improves the skin permeability and retention of Tridax procumbens extract, making it a promising candidate for the effective topical treatment of fungal infections such as Tinea corporis. The integration of herbal medicine with nanocarrier systems like transferosomes offers a synergistic approach to enhance therapeutic efficacy, patient compliance, and stability in dermatological formulations.