Superficial
fungal infections caused by Candida species are common
skin diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a new formulation containing
oxiconazole nitrate, which is an
azole group derivative for antifungal treatment, as a thermosensitive gel since there has been no literature study until now. MIC value of the novel thermosensitive formulation against three Candida species was calculated and time-dependent antifungal activity analysis was performed. Viscosity, transition temperature Tsol-gel (°C) and gelation time of the thermosensitive gel formulation were also determined in the viscometer. The measurements performed on the tensilometer device were analyzed for adhesion hardness and elongation percentages of the formulation. In the FT-IR spectrometer, the spectrum of
solution and gel state was compared between 650 and 4000 cm-1 and it was found that there is no difference between them. It was found that the temperature is reversible on the formulation and did not cause any disruption of its components. Characterization parameters of the thermosensitive gel formulation containing
oxiconazole nitrate and time-dependent activity against Candida species was observed to be the same as those of the
solution containing only
oxiconazole nitrate. MIC, MFC and time-dependent antifungal analysis did not show any particular difference between formulation and
oxiconazole nitrate itself. Thermosensitive gel formulation containing
oxiconazole nitrate was found to be effective on superficial
fungal infections. We believe it is also appropriate for in vivo usage, but it is necessary to perform animal and human research. It is also needed to evaluate the formulation against other etiologic agents of superficial
fungal infections.