Development of liposome-encapsulated ketoconazole: formulation, characterisation and evaluation of pharmacological therapeutic efficacy

Liposomal formulations containing ketoconazole were prepared with the ultimate goal of increasing their efficacy for topical drug delivery. Various concentrations of drugs were encapsulated within liposomes and characterised by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering studies for size distribution, zeta potential and stability. LIP₂₀₀ emerged as the best formulation with a size of 178.9 nm, polydispersity index of 0.299 and overall zeta potential of -5.38 mV. The encapsulation efficiency monitored over a period of 28 days varied between 79.6 and 75.4%. The formulation was found to be stable in serum solution with slight changes in size, polydispersity index and charge. The formulation also showed a better anti-fungal activity against Candida sp. in comparison to other preparations, as well as the control, indicating its potential as a promising topical drug delivery system.