Buletinul Institutului Politehnic din Iași Secția Chimie și Inginerie Chimică ISSN: 2537-2947
ISSN-L: 0254-7104
2026, Volume 72(76), Issue 1 (March), pp. 69 - 82
Antifungal Evaluation of a Gel Formulation with Nystatin-Loaded
Liposomes
CODRIN PAUL FUIOAGA, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași,
“Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental
Protection, Iași, Romania; Faculty of Medicine, Apollonia University of
Iași, Romania, codrin_paul@ymail.com DELIA MIHAELA RATA, Faculty of Medicine, Apollonia University of Iași,
Romania LEONARD IONUT ATANASE, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of
Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and
Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania; Faculty of Medicine, Apollonia
University of Iași, Romania; Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest,
Romania TUDOR MOCANU, Faculty of Medicine, Apollonia University of Iași,
Romania XENIA PATRAS, Faculty of Medicine, Apollonia University of Iași,
Romania ANCA NICULINA CADINOIU, Faculty of Medicine, Apollonia
University of Iași, Romania
Abstract This study explores the development of a novel liposomal
formulation of Nystatin for transmembrane administration aimed at treating
oral mycoses. Traditional Nystatin, though effective, presents systemic
toxicity risks. By encapsulating it in cationic liposomes (DPPC/DOTAP/CHOL)
and embedding them into alginate hydrogels, the researchers achieved
controlled drug release, improved bioavailability, and reduced side effects.
The formulations were synthesized via lipid film hydration, characterized by
zeta potential, size distribution, and encapsulation efficiency, and
evaluated in vitro for antifungal efficacy using Candida albicans ATCC
10231. Results indicated dose-dependent antifungal activity with promising
inhibition zones. This liposomal approach offers a safer, targeted
alternative to systemic antifungals, particularly beneficial for patients
with compromised mucosal barriers or immunosuppression. Future directions
include broader microbiological evaluations and optimization of liposomal
drug loading. Keywords: Liposomal Nystatin, antifungal therapy,
transmucosal delivery, alginate hydrogel, Candida albicans