Evaluation of Skin Permeation Study, Kinetic Models and Determination of Antifungal Activity of Transdermal Patches of Luliconazole and Posaconazole

Abstract

Transdermal drug delivery systems have gained increasing attention as an effective strategy for sustaining drug release and enhancing therapeutic performance, particularly in the management of fungal infections that demand prolonged treatment. The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of antifungal transdermal patches containing luliconazole and posaconazole, two potent azole-class antifungal agents. The primary objective was to assess the skin permeation behavior, release kinetics, and antifungal efficacy of the optimized formulations. In vitro skin permeation studies were conducted using Franz diffusion cells, and the cumulative drug release profiles indicated a controlled and sustained release pattern over an extended period. Data obtained from permeation was fitted to various kinetic models—zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer-Peppas—to determine the underlying drug release mechanism. The optimized formulations predominantly followed Higuchi kinetics, suggesting diffusion-controlled release, supported by non-Fickian transport behavior in Peppas analysis. Antifungal activity of the drug-loaded patches was assessed through Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and zone of inhibition studies against pathogenic fungal strains, including Candida albicans, Trichophyton rubrum and Aspergillus niger. The patches exhibited significant inhibitory activity, with the luliconazole–posaconazole combination demonstrating enhanced antifungal efficacy compared to single-drug formulations. The improved permeation and potent antifungal action indicate effective drug delivery to deeper skin layers where fungal pathogens commonly persist.