Enhanced non invasive trans-tympanic delivery of ciprofloxacin through encapsulation into nano-spanlastic vesicles: Fabrication, in-vitro characterization, and comparative ex-vivo permeation studies.

The aim of this research was to encapsulate ciprofloxacin, a broad spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic, into Span 60 based nano-elastic vesicles, nano-spanlastics, for accomplishing improved non invasive trans-tympanic delivery, providing means for ototopical treatment of acute otitis media (AOM). To achieve this purpose, ciprofloxacin-loaded nano-spanlastics were prepared by thin film hydration (TFH) technique, using several non-ionic edge activators (EAs) according to full factorial design (32 ). The investigation of the effect of formulation variables on nano-spanlastic characteristics and selection of the optimum formula were performed using Design-Expert® software. The selected formulation was also subjected to comparative ex-vivo permeation studies through tympanic membrane (TM) of rabbits. Results revealed that the optimal nano-spanlastic formulation (S-2; containing 20% Brij 35 as an EA) exhibited nano-sized spherical vesicles (287.55±9.97nm), relatively high entrapment efficiency percent (51.81±1.57%), and good physical stability after six months of storage at 4-8°C. Ex-vivo TM permeation studies demonstrated the superiority of the optimal nano-spanlastic formulation over the commercial Ciprocin® drops. However, when compared to lipid-based elastic vesicles, nano-transfersomes, nano-spanlastics exhibited lower drug permeation through the TM. Concisely, the obtained results suggested that nano-spanlastics can be promising for improving trans-tympanic delivery of ciprofloxacin.