Colistin Adorned Topical Nanoemulsion Gel Formulation for Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity

The study developed a colistin sulfate-loaded nanoemulgel (CS-NEG) to enhance antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria in severe skin infections. The formulation process involved creating a nanoemulsion (NE) using specific oils and surfactants, which was then converted into a gel using Carbopol 940. The CS-NEG demonstrated favorable physico-chemical properties, including appropriate pH, high viscosity, and excellent spreadability. It achieved a cumulative drug release of 73.6% to 84.31% over 24 hours and showed improved skin permeability and antimicrobial activity, with a zone of inhibition of 21.23 mm, compared to the CS solution. These results indicate that the CS-NEG formulation is a promising strategy for treating complex bacterial infections.