Formulation and Evaluation of Mupirocin Loaded Liposomal Hydrogel for Enhanced Topical Therapy of Bacterial Skin Infection

Abstract

Bacterial skin infections are commonly caused by pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, requiring effective topical therapy for improved management. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate a mupirocin-loaded liposomal hydrogel to enhance topical drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy. Liposomes were prepared using the thin film hydration method by varying phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol concentrations. The optimized formulation (L5) exhibited desirable vesicle size, high entrapment efficiency, and sustained drug release. The selected liposomal batch was incorporated into a Carbopol-based hydrogel to improve viscosity, spreadability, and skin retention. The prepared liposomal hydrogel showed good physical appearance, suitable pH, uniform drug content, and controlled drug release profile. The combination of liposomes and hydrogel demonstrated improved stability and prolonged drug action compared to conventional formulations. Overall, the developed mupirocinloaded liposomal hydrogel presents a promising approach for effective and sustained topical treatment of bacterial skin infections.