The objective of the present study was to prepare and evaluate mupirocin loaded transfersomal gel (MTG) with an aim to improve drug retention in the skin for effective treatment of impetigo. Mupirocin loaded transfersomes were prepared by thin film hydration technique using a rotary evaporator and then incorporated in 3% w/v carbopol 934 gel bases. The prepared transfersomes were characterized for the parameters like vesicle size, shape, drug content, entrapment efficiency, and stability. MTG was characterized for spreadability, antimicrobial activity, in vitro and ex vivo diffusion studies and skin retention study. Transfersomes obtained were uniform, spherical in shape with the vesicle size range of 2 to 4 µm. The drug content was found to be 90% with entrapment efficiency 92-96%. In vitro drug diffusion for F1 formulation was found to be 90% in 7 h when compared to other formulations and followed Korsmeyer Peppas model kinetics. Almost 99 % of the drug was diffused from F1 Formulation in 6h as compared to a marketed product which released only 67% as evident from ex vivo diffusion studies. Optimized formulation (F1) has the highest zone of inhibition of 3.5 cm compared to marketed formulation with only 1.5 cm. From the above results, it can be concluded that MGT can prove to be a better option for topical delivery of mupirocin for effective treatment of skin diseases
