Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

@article{193689,
        author = {Nandini Banerjee and Ms. Arya S Mahajan and Ms. Prachi S Lohakare},
        title = {Development and Optimisation of an Antibacterial Transdermal Delivery System for Localised Activity},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {10},
        pages = {1364-1373},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=193689},
        abstract = {A sustained-release transdermal patch of azithromycin and clindamycin was developed to enhance localised antibacterial therapy for cutaneous infections while minimising systemic exposure. Patches were prepared by solvent casting using an ethyl cellulose backing and a drug–polymer matrix of HPMC E15 and PVP K30 with PEG 400 as plasticiser. A 323^232 factorial design identified HPMC and PEG levels as critical factors affecting drug release and mechanical strength, enabling optimisation via Design-Expert®.
FTIR confirmed drug–excipient compatibility, and the optimised formulation (HPMC 0.79 g, PEG 1.8 g) showed sustained release (~74% at 18 h), adequate tensile strength (~3 N/mm²), acceptable moisture content (~5.7%), and good flexibility. Antimicrobial testing against S. epidermis species demonstrated activity comparable to marketed topical formulations.
The optimised transdermal film offers a promising localised delivery system for acne and superficial skin infections, providing prolonged drug residence in pilosebaceous units with potential for reduced dosing frequency and systemic side effects.},
        keywords = {Transdermal, antibacterial, topical, Azithromycin, Clindamycin, acne.},
        month = {March},
        }