Formulation, Selection, Physical Properties, and Antifungal Effect Evaluation of Semi-Solid Dosage Forms with Organic Acids

The study evaluated the antifungal activity of organic acids against Microsporum canis, focusing on cinnamic acid, which showed the highest activity in solution form. When incorporated into poloxamer 407/hydroxyethyl cellulose hydrogels, cinnamic acid maintained antifungal activity but with reduced diffusion, resulting in smaller inhibition zones due to the hydrogel's three-dimensional polymer network and higher viscosity. Despite this limitation, the hydrogels offer potential for prolonged local antifungal exposure, suggesting benefits for drug retention in skin layers and hair follicles. Further research is needed to assess release kinetics and in vivo effectiveness.