Innovative dual-functional hybrid cationic PEGylated proniosomes as a smart nano-platform for Boosted vaginal delivery: multi-level in-vitro, ex-vivo, microbiological, and in-vivo studies

Vaginal candidiasis remains a recurrent fungal infection affecting millions of women worldwide, necessitating innovative local delivery systems to overcome poor drug solubility and mucosal barriers. This study introduces Dual-Functional Hybrid Cationic PEGylated Proniosomes (DHCPP) as a smart nano-platform designed to boost the vaginal delivery of Fenticonazole Nitrate (FTN).

DHCPP systems were fabricated via the coacervation phase separation method and optimized using a full 2 3 factorial design, achieving a high desirability value of 0.931. The optimized DHCPP exhibited an encapsulation efficiency of 91.61%, particle size of 238.85 nm, and zeta potential of +58.85 mV, ensuring colloidal stability and efficient mucosal interaction.