ObjectiveThe increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and the adverse effects associated with systemic administration of antibiotics necessitate the development of alternative therapeutic strategies. The new benzoic acid derivative
(E)-2-(1-isobutyl-2-oxoindolin-3-ylideneamino)-4-chlorobenzoic acid (IOACA) was reported to have a potent activity against Gram-positive bacteria including S. aureus and B. subtilis. That significant activity of IOACA and its log P value of 1.66 prompted us to formulate IOACA as a topical gel for the treatment of skin infections.MethodsFormulation of a topical gel using Carbopol 934 as gelling agent. physicochemical characterization including drug content, viscosity, spreadability, pH determination, In vitro release study and release kinetics. In vitro assessment of the antimicrobial efficacy of the gel against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis by agar diffusion method. In-Vivo evaluation of skin irritation effect and antimicrobial activity of the gel using male albino rats model.ResultsThe prepared gel showed homogeneity and consistency. The pH values range from 5.8 to 6.5,with good viscosity and spreadability. The drug content was in an acceptable range. The cumulative amount released of the drug ranged from (72.2 ± 1.3% to 107.6 ± 4.7%). F3 approaches zero order kinetics