• Mayuri Srivastava
• Saurabh Ghoshal

Topical fungal infections are common worldwide and often require prolonged therapy due to limited drug penetration and persistence at infection sites. Nanoemulsions have emerged as promising carriers to enhance the topical delivery and bioavailability of antifungal agents. In this review, we discuss the formulation, characterization, and therapeutic evaluation of antifungal nanoemulsions designed for skin and mucosal application. Key antifungal drugs (e.g., clotrimazole, miconazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine, luliconazole, amphotericin B) have been formulated into oil-in-water nanoemulsions with droplet sizes in the 20–200 nm range. These nano-size formulations dramatically improve drug solubility, skin penetration, and retention in comparison to conventional creams or gels. Enhanced skin permeation and controlled release profiles translate into higher local drug levels, faster onset of action, and improved antifungal efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Nanoemulsion-based formulations have shown increased antifungal activity against Candida, dermatophytes, and even resistant strains, while also minimizing systemic exposure and side effects. We highlight recent studies where optimized nanoemulgels achieved almost complete drug permeation through skin within hours and superior infection clearance in animal models. Formulation factors, including choice of oils (some with inherent antifungal properties), surfactants, and charge (neutral vs. cationic), are examined for their role in droplet stabilization and skin interaction. Overall, antifungal nanoemulsions represent a novel strategy to overcome the limitations of conventional topical therapy by improving drug bioavailability at the target site. Future clinical translation of these nanocarriers could shorten treatment duration and reduce recurrences of stubborn fungal infections.

: Antifungal nanoemulsion; topical drug delivery; skin permeation; bioavailability; nanoemulgel; dermatophytosis; Candida; drug penetration

"Development and Evaluation of Antifungal Nanoemulsion: Enhancing Topical Drug Delivery and Bioavailability", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 8, page no.c501-c507, August-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2508269.pdf

"Development and Evaluation of Antifungal Nanoemulsion: Enhancing Topical Drug Delivery and Bioavailability", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 8, page no. ppc501-c507, August-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2508269.pdf