The objective of this research was to improve the trans-tympanic invasive delivery of ciprofloxacin, a synthetic fluoroquinolone antibiotic, to the middle ear, attempting to treat acute otitis media (AOM) ototopically. In order to achieve this goal, ciprofloxacin spanlastics were prepared by thin film hydration (TFH) technique, using several edge activators (EAs). The prepared vesicles were evaluated with respect to their entrapment efficiencies (EE %) in order to select an optimal formulation, which was subjected to further investigations (measuring the particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), deformability index (DI), in-vitro release and ex-vivo permeation). Results revealed that the optimal formulation (composed of Span 60 and Brij 35 as an EA at weight ratio of 80: 20) showed EE % of 51.81 %, PS of 287.55 nm, PDI of 0.47, ZP of - 24.35 mV and DI of 3.90 g. in addition, it exhibited high ex-vivo drug flux through ear skin when relative to the marketed product (Ciprocin® drops). Accordingly, spanlastics could be a promising approach for improving trans-tympanic delivery.
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