Abstract: 
Voriconazole loaded nanosponges were prepared by emulsion solvent diffusion method using ethyl cellulose (EC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a stabilizer. A 3 level design was employed in this study, requiring 9 experiments. The composition and development process of Nanosponges are heavily influenced by formulation optimization. The 3² design for optimization of effect of independent variables was investigated. Selected as a drug: ethyl cellulose ratio (X₁) and stirring rate (rpm) (X₂) on dependent variables i.e. particle size (nm), entrapment efficiency (%) respectively. The prepared nanosponges were characterized for particle size, entrapment efficiency, zeta potential, FTIR and SEM. The optimized nanosponges batch was incorporated into gel using carbopol 934. The particle size of formulated voriconazole Nanosponges ranges from 267.1 nm to 537.5 nm. Zeta potential of optimized formulation was found to be -26.7 mV. The EE (%) ranged from 62.21% to 82.11%. The formulation F6 has shown the maximum cumulative % of drug release, 85.57% for 8 hours.

Keywords: Nanosponges, Fungal Infections, Voriconazole, Central Composite Design.