Bioadhesive hybrid system of niosomes and pH sensitive in situ gel for itraconazole ocular delivery: Dual approach for efficient treatment of fungal infections

Itraconazole (ITZ) is a highly effective antifungal agent. However, its oral application is associated with systemic toxicity and poor topical use. The present study aims to improve the antifungal activity of ITZ by loading it into bioadhesive niosomes. This approach is considered to enhance the ocular permeation of ITZ, thereby boosting its efficacy against fungal infections. Therefore, it was encapsulated into niosomes (F1) and subsequently coated with hyaluronic acid (HA; F2), chitosan (CS; F3), or a bilayer of CS/HA (F4). In addition, they were further incorporated into pH-sensitive