Nanogel-based topical delivery systems for antifungal therapy: A narrative review

Superficial fungal infections affect approximately one in four individuals globally and impose a considerable burden in tropical and subtropical regions. Conventional topical formulations — including creams, ointments, and standard gels — demonstrate limited therapeutic efficacy attributable to inadequate drug penetration, insufficient contact time with the infected skin surface, and poor patient adherence to prescribed treatment regimens.Nanogels, which integrate the penetration-enhancing attributes of nanocarriers within the bioadhesive and aesthetically acceptable framework of hydrogels, offer a delivery platform that is both pharmacologically and practically advantageous for the management of cutaneous fungal disease. This narrative review examines the design, classification, and preparation of antifungal nanogels, with particular focus on miconazole nitrate as a model poorly water-soluble antifungal agent. Characterisation parameters including particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, rheological behaviour, In vitro drug release, and Ex vivo skin permeation are discussed in the context of published experimental data. Preclinical evidence consistently demonstrates enhanced antifungal efficacy and improved dermal drug retention relative to conventional formulations. Critical gaps remain before clinical translation can be realised, including scalability challenges, the absence of regulatory guidance specific to topical nanomedicines, long-term stability concerns, and limited data on patient acceptability. Addressing these barriers through rigorous translational research is essential if nanogel technology is to deliver meaningful benefit to the large patient population affected by superficial fungal infections.