Advances of liposomal mediated nanocarriers for the treatment of dermatophyte infections
Seyed Amin Ayatollahi Mousavi,
Abnoos Mokhtari,
Mahmood Barani,
Alireza Izadi,
Alireza Amirbeigi,
Narges Ajalli,
Azam Amanizadeh,
Sanaz Hadizadeh
Affiliations
Seyed Amin Ayatollahi Mousavi
Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Abnoos Mokhtari
Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Science, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Physiology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Mahmood Barani
Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Corresponding author.
Alireza Izadi
Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Corresponding author. Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Alireza Amirbeigi
Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Narges Ajalli
Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Azam Amanizadeh
Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Sanaz Hadizadeh
Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Due to the adverse effects associated with long-term administration of antifungal drugs used for treating dermatophytic lesions like tinea unguium, there is a critical need for novel antifungal therapies that exhibit improved absorption and minimal adverse effects. Nanoformulations offer a promising solution in this regard. Topical formulations may penetrate the upper layers of the skin, such as the stratum corneum, and release an appropriate amount of drugs in therapeutic quantities. Liposomes, particularly nanosized ones, used as topical medication delivery systems for the skin, may have various roles depending on their size, lipid and cholesterol content, ingredient percentage, lamellarity, and surface charge. Liposomes can enhance permeability through the stratum corneum, minimize systemic effects due to their localizing properties, and overcome various challenges in cutaneous drug delivery. Antifungal medications encapsulated in liposomes, including fluconazole, ketoconazole, croconazole, econazole, terbinafine hydrochloride, tolnaftate, and miconazole, have demonstrated improved skin penetration and localization. This review discusses the traditional treatment of dermatophytes and liposomal formulations. Additionally, promising liposomal formulations that may soon be available in the market are introduced. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive understanding of dermatophyte infections and the role of liposomes in enhancing treatment.
