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Terbinafine hydrochloride (TBF) is a broad-spectrum antifungal used to treat various dermatophyte infections affecting the skin, hair, and nails. Accurate, sensitive, and affordable analytical methods are crucial for quantifying this drug. In this study, we report on the use of carbon-based electrodes for the electrochemical determination of TBF in pharmaceutical samples, including raw materials and tablets. Notably, for the first time in the literature, we employ screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) for TBF quantification. Additionally, glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) were used to explore the redox behavior of the analyte. Electrochemical performance was evaluated and compared using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Optimized conditions of supporting electrolyte and scan rate studies revealed that the oxidation of TBF involves an equal exchange of protons and electrons. For the GCE, the oxidation process was found to be irreversible, controlled by both diffusion and adsorption, while for the SPCE, it was irreversible and diffusion-controlled. Square wave voltammetry (SWV) was optimized for both electrodes to enhance sensitivity. For SPCE, the calibration curve ranged from 5 to 100 μg mL -1 , with an LOD of 1.48 μg mL -1 using a single drop of sample. The calibration curve for GCE was constructed between 2.5 and 30 μg mL -1 , with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.072 μg mL -1 . TBF quantification was performed on raw material samples from various suppliers and tablet forms using external calibration with a recovery range within 90-110%. Analysis of the data reveals that the voltammetric method's accuracy aligns well with the chromatographic approach based on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Furthermore, the proposed methodology demonstrated outstanding sustainability, achieving a score of 0.91 in Green Analytical Chemistry (GAC) criteria. Our novel approach combines high analytical efficiency with a reduced environmental impact, establishing itself as a green, cost-effective, and accurate alternative for TBF sensing.

Background: Laser therapy has emerged as an innovative approach for managing various nail conditions, offering precise targeting, minimal invasiveness, and favorable safety profiles. This review analyzes the literature on laser therapy for nail indications, encompassing onychomycosis, nail psoriasis, nail warts, ingrown toenails, onychodystrophy, nail pigmentation disorders, and nail tumors. Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify articles on laser therapy using specific key terms related to nail conditions (e.g., onychomycosis, nail psoriasis). Relevant articles were shortlisted based on laser treatment in nail disorders, its mechanisms of action, research outcomes, and clinical applications. Results: Nd:YAG or CO2 lasers showed efficacy in onychomycosis by targeting fungal cells. Studies suggest that laser treatments offer comparable results to traditional therapies, often enhancing outcomes when combined with topical agents such as calcipotriol/betamethasone in nail psoriasis. For nail warts, ingrown toenails, onychodystrophy, and nail pigmentation disorders, lasers provide alternative or adjunctive therapies, achieving positive outcomes lesion clearance and symptom improvement. Conclusion: This review underscores the transformative potential of laser therapy in nail disorder management, providing clinicians with innovative treatment alternatives. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to refine protocols, evaluate long-term outcomes and explore its application in specific conditions such as nail tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flurbiprofen (FBP) is poorly water-soluble BCS class II drug with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, used to treat arthritis and degenerative joint diseases. This study was aimed to develop SNEDDS loaded with FBP. Six SNEDDS using two oils olive oil (F 1OLV , F 2OLV , F 3OLV ) and castor oil (F 4CAS , F 5CAS , F 6CAS ) with three different Smix ratios consisting of Tween 20 and PEG 400 (1:1, 1:2, 2:1) were prepared and characterized. Compatibility between FBP and polymers was investigated using FTIR. SNEDDS were characterized for physicochemical attributes. Two optimized formulations were investigated at 10 mg/kg dose given orally in Wistar rats for analgesic activity by hot plate and tail flick methods, and anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan induced paw edema method. Anti-inflammatory activity was further explored by motor coordination and motility by Rota rod and cage activity tests. Following anesthesia blood samples were collected before dissection to measure inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress markers. Sciatica nerves and hind paws of rats were also removed for histopathological evaluation. FTIR studies revealed compatibility of FBP with other components. Droplet size of F 1OLV , F 2OLV , F 3OLV was 128.5 ± 0.7 nm, 202.5 ± 1.3 nm, and 541.5 ± 1.7 nm, whereas it was 142.5 ± 1.1 nm, 215.4 ± 1.2 nm and 349.9 ± 1.8 nm for F 4CAS , F 5CAS , F 6CAS . %EE of F 1OLV , F 2OLV , F 3OLV was found 85 ± 4.89%-91 ± 4.67%, whereas the %EE F 4CAS , F 5CAS , F 6CAS was 84 ± 4.15%-90 ± 4.21%. DSC curves of F 1OLV  and F 4CAS  revealed amorphous nature of the FBP. SEM showed spherical shape of globules. % of drug released in the pH medium 1.2 for plain FBP, F 1OLV  and F 4CAS  was 25%, 59% and 57%. % drug released in the pH 6.8 for plain FBP, F 1OLV  and F 4CAS  was 59%, 85% and 83%. Oral administration of FBP-loaded SNEDDS (F 1OLV and F 4CAS ) significantly decreased paw diameter and enhanced motor coordination in rats when compared to the disease control group. This was linked to the ability of FBP to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, with histological studies indicating decreased tissue damage in SNEDDS treated groups, implying the possibility of tissue recovery. Administration of both formulations started to demonstrate analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects after one hour of administration. In addition to anti-inflammatory effect, both formulations improved motor coordination, motility, and reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells in the inflamed paws. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities were attributed to decreased serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, increased activity of SOD and reduced nitrite content in sciatic nerves. Histopathological evaluation revealed reduced vascularity, inflammation and synovial hyperplasia. The overall findings suggest that the FBP loaded SNEDDS can be used as carriers for improved delivery of FBP which can effectively be used to cure pain and inflammation., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)