Carbopol Gel Research Articles

Purification and use of crude green glycerol from the transesterification of triglycerides in the formulation of an alcohol gel hand sanitizer

The aim of this study was to produce an alcohol gel hand sanitizer containing green glycerol. Crude glycerol was purified using chemical and physical treatments. The sanitizer was prepared using 71.100 g of 99.3° GL ethanol, 28.0 g H2O, 0.5 g of Carboxypolymethylene [Carbopol 940® or Carbomer], 5 drops of triethanolamine (pH 5–7), and glycerol (1.5% w/w). The thermal behavior of the ethanol, carbopol, triethanolamine, glycerol, and alcohol gels were evaluated using Thermogravimetry and Differential Thermal Analysis. The apparent viscosity was obtained using a rotary viscometer. The determination of in vitro spreadability was achieved by an adaptation of the Knorst method. The ethanol content was measured by headspace gas chromatography using a flame ionization detector. The thermal behavior of the gels was influenced by the presence of glycerol, which confirms the possible network interactions formed. The relative densities of the samples were between 0.887 and 0.890 g/cm3. No alteration of the pH of the formulation resulted from the incorporation of glycerol. The apparent viscosities of the alcohol gels were greater than 20,000 cP. No alteration in the in vitro spreadability of the gel alcohol (530.6 mm2) resulted from the addition of glycerol. Hand sanitizer was produced using glycerol from a transesterification reaction. It represents an alternative use for the glycerol being produced in biodiesel processes. The product satisfied the requirements of WHO that preconize a formulation containing 1.45% glycerol as an humectant to protect skin against dryness and dermatitis.

Development of erlotinib-loaded nanotransferosomal gel for the topical treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ.

Aims: Thisstudy was aimed to formulate erlotinib (ERL)-loaded transferosomal gel (ERL@TG) intended for topical application for the treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ. Materials & methods: The optimized process involved athin-film hydration method to generate ERL-loaded transferosomes (ERL@TFS), which was incorporated into a carbopol gel matrix to generateERL@TG. The optimized formulation was characterized in vitro followed by cytotoxicity evaluation on MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines and acute toxicity and skin irritation studies was performed in vivo. Results: In a comparative assessment against plain ERL, ERL@TG displayed enhanced efficacy against MCF-7 cell lines, reflected in considerably lower IC50 values with anenhanced safety profile. Conclusion: Optimized ERL@TG was identified as a promising avenue for addressing ductal carcinoma in situ breast cancer.

Mentha piperita silver nanoparticle-loaded hydrocolloid film for enhanced diabetic wound healing in rats.

To investigate the role of Mentha piperita silver nanoparticle-loaded carbopol gel for enhanced wound healing in a diabetic rat model. This research further aims to explore bioactive compounds derived from Mentha piperita obtained from high altitude. Methanolic extracts of Mentha piperita (MP), Mentha spicata (MS) and Mentha longifolia (ML) were used to synthesise silver nanoparticles (AgNP). AgNP synthesis was confirmed by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antioxidant activity was assessed by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DDPH) assay. Antiglycation potential was determined by measuring the fluorescent advanced glycation end products. The bioactive compound identified in the Mentha piperita methanolic (MPM) fraction through electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometric analysis (ESI-MS) was responsible for the highest antiglycation. The effects of MPM and MPM.AgNP-loaded Carbopol (Sanare Lab, India) on wound healing were compared in male, alloxan-induced, diabetic albino rats (200-250g), divided into control and treated groups. Effects on wound healing were assessed via histopathology. UV-Vis and FTIR confirmed NP synthesis with peaks for flavonoids and polyphenols. SEM and XRD explored the cubical, 30-63nm crystalline NP. The maximum antioxidant and antiglycation potential was observed in order of; MP.AgNP>MS.AgNP>ML.AgNP. The highest antioxidant activity was observed by methanolic and aqueous MP.AgNPs (88.55% and 83.63%, respectively) at 2mg.ml-1, and (75.16% and 69.73%, respectively) at 1mg.ml-1, compared to ascorbic acid (acting as a positive control, 90.01%). MPM.AgNPs demonstrated the best antiglycation potential of 75.2% and 83.3% at 1mg.ml-1 and 2mg.ml-1, respectively, comparable to positive control (rutin: 88.1%) at 14 days post-incubation. A similar trend was observed for antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus and Escherichia coli with an inhibition zone of 21mm, 21.6mm and 24.6mm. Rosmarinic acid was the active compound present in Mentha piperita, as identified by ESI-MS. MPM.AgNP-loaded Carbopol resulted in 100% wound closure compared with control at 20 days post-wounding. In the treatment group, re-epithelialisation was achieved by day 18, compared with 25 days for the positive control group. MPM.AgNP-loaded Carbopol demonstrated safer and more effective biological properties, hence accelerating the diabetic excision wound healing process in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Formulating and evaluating a gel that contains Eletriptan-loaded transferosomes

Transdermal-vesicular drug delivery systems offer various advantages over conventional drug delivery systems, such as bypassing first-pass metabolism, site-specific delivery, reduced dosing frequency, and more. The objective of the present research involves the formulation and in-vitro evaluation of Eletriptan transferosomal gel to reduce dosing frequency. Transferosomes act as vehicles for on-site drug delivery, and they are vesicular systems with a flexible membrane. By formulating this type, we can achieve a higher concentration at the site of action, thereby reducing dosing frequency.
 Fourier-transform infrared spectra revealed that there was no interaction between the drug and excipients. Transferosomal formulations were prepared by the thin-film hydration technique and were incorporated into 1.5% Carbopol gel. From the results, Formulation code-ET6, containing Lecithin: Tween-80, has higher entrapment efficiency and maximum drug release, and is hence considered the optimized formulation. Stability studies performed for optimized transferosomal gel formulations indicate that the prepared transferosomal gel has more stability at a lower temperature.
 The conclusion is that, based on the above data, it is confirmed that the prepared Eletriptan transferosomal gels can be considered as one of the promising approaches to reducing dosing frequency and maintaining drug concentration at the desired site for a longer time.
 Keywords: Transdermal drug delivery, Eletriptan, Transferosomes, Thin Film Hydration Method, Carbopol gel.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL GEL CONTAINING DIMOCARPUS LONGAN LOUR SEEDS EXTRACT FOR TREATMENT OF SKIN ACNE

The present research work focuses on skin acne with the aim of developing an effective and safe herbal gel using Dimocarpus longan Lour. The ethanol extract of Dimocarpus longanLour was incorporated into an optimized Carbopol gel base. Physical characterization and phytochemical testing of the extract have been carried out. Antimicrobial studies showed no detectable microbial contamination and demonstrated good areas of inhibition. Overall, this research report concludes that herbal gel formulation can provide effective and safe formulations leading to patient tolerance and treatment compliance.

Study of different factors affecting spreadability and release of ibuprofen from carbopol gels using screening design methodology

Study of different factors affecting spreadability and release of ibuprofen from carbopol gels using screening design methodology

Visualizing flow dynamics and restart of Carbopol gel solutions in tube and parallel-plates geometries with wall slip.

The present study examines the impact of slip in Carbopol solutions during the restart flow in pipelines utilizing in situ visualization techniques. Rheological tests were conducted using smooth and hatched parallel plate geometries to obtain the rheological characteristics of the solutions. The behavior of the solutions in the creep tests is compared with those in the experimental unit. Three flow regimes were identified through rheological and experimental setup tests: non-flow, slip, and yielded. The slip regime allowed the establishment of a slip static yield stress value, indicating significant deformation states, and a restart pressure decrease of about 61% when compared to the static yield stress. The flow dynamics under the wall slip effect is captured by velocity profiles, velocity contour maps and velocity gradient. Transient correlations of the scaling law type were determined, with wall slip in proportion to the velocity gradient and wall shear stress. Additionally, the concentration of viscoplastic material in the solution increased the scaling law index. This research seeks to provide valuable findings by quantifying the effects of apparent wall slip through in situ measurements. Such insights are crucial for designing and managing pipeline transport systems that handle yield stress fluids, applicable across various industries including cosmetics, food processing, and the production of waxy oils.

Enhanced drug delivery and wound healing potential of berberine-loaded chitosan-alginate nanocomposite gel: characterization and in vivo assessment.

Berberine-encapsulated polyelectrolyte nanocomposite (BR-PolyET-NC) gel was developed as a long-acting improved wound healing therapy. BR-PolyET-NC was developed using an ionic gelation/complexation method and thereafter loaded into Carbopol gel. Formulation was optimized using Design-Expert® software implementing a three-level, three-factor Box Behnken design (BBD). The concentrations of polymers, namely, chitosan and alginate, and calcium chloride were investigated based on particle size and %EE. Moreover, formulation characterized in vitro for biopharmaceutical performances and their wound healing potency was evaluated in vivo in adult BALB/c mice. The particle distribution analysis showed a nanocomposite size of 71 ± 3.5 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.45, ζ-potential of +22 mV, BR entrapment of 91 ± 1.6%, and loading efficiency of 12.5 ± 0.91%. Percentage drug release was recorded as 89.50 ± 6.9% with pH 6.8, thereby simulating the wound microenvironment. The in vitro investigation of the nanocomposite gel revealed uniform consistency, well spreadability, and extrudability, which are ideal for topical wound use. The analytical estimation executed using FT-IR, DSC, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated successful formulation with no drug excipients and without the amorphous state. The colony count of microbes was greatly reduced in the BR-PolyET-NC treated group on the 15th day from up to 6 CFU compared to 20 CFU observed in the BR gel treated group. The numbers of monocytes and lymphocytes counts were significantly reduced following healing progression, which reached to a peak level and vanished on the 15th day. The observed experimental characterization and in vivo study indicated the effectiveness of the developed BR-PolyET-NC gel toward wound closure and healing process, and it was found that >99% of the wound closed by 15th day, stimulated via various anti-inflammatory and angiogenic factors.

Fibre alignment in fresh concrete with coarse aggregates and its visualization in transparent model concrete

Steel fibres distributed in concrete can greatly improve the mechanical performance of concrete, especially flexural and tensile behavior, if their orientations align to the direction of principal tensile stress. The study attempts to find diversified characters of fibre alignment in fresh concrete with consideration of adding coarse aggregates. A transparent concrete model, consisting of Carbopol gel, glass beads and crystals, is designed for the observation of fibre orientation. It shows good transparency and visibility, and can consider the effect of coarse aggregates since the volume fraction and particle size distribution of crystals are the same as coarse aggregates in real concrete mixture. The rheological properties of the model can be adjusted by the dosage of Carbopol and glass beads. Using this concrete model, the distribution and orientation of fibres can be directly observed and analyzed, considering the effect of aggregate sizes, concrete rheology and vibration time. The results show that coarse aggregates could limit the distribution space of fibres and lead to the decrease of fibre orientation coefficient. Fibre dispersion coefficient also decreases with the increase of aggregate sizes.

Formulation and in-vitro Evaluation of Baclofen loaded Transferosomal Gel

Baclofen is a class of medications called skeletal muscle relaxant. It is a class III drug having low solubility and high permeability used in treating multiple sclerosis symptoms such as spasticity, stiffness, and pain. The current study involves the development and in-vitro evaluation of a Baclofen-loaded transfersomal gel to reduce dosage frequency. Drug and excipient interactions were not detected in the FTIR spectra. Hand shaking modified thin film hydration method was used to developed transfersome formulations, which then consolidated at 0.5% carbopol gel. Optimized BF7 formulation provides higher Entapment efficiency and maximum drug delivery. The prepared formulation had been examined for FTIR, Organoleptic evaluation, Viscosity, Spread-ability, Entrapment Efficacy, Drug content, SEM analysis, Particle size, Zeta potential, Stability testing, and other parameters. The optimised formulation BF7 confirmed Entapment Efficiency ranging from 80.04 to 87.42%, Drug content ranging from 90.26 -95.37%, Vesicle Size of 167.8nm & In-vitro diffusion of 97.48%. The drug release data from the chosen gel demonstrated a good fit with the Higuchis and Zero order release kinetics.
 Keywords: Transferosomes, vesicular drug delivery system, Thin film hydration method

Design and characterisation of topical emulgel containing neem oil for its antidandruff properties

Emulgel is a novel drug delivery system for controlled release of drug. It is suitable for the dual release of drugs. This study focuses on the development and characterization of topical emulgel containing neem oil for its anti-dandruff properties. Neem oil is emulsified using suitable surfactant in the ratio 4:2:1 and the prepared emulsion is incorporated with Carbopol gel base in ratio1:1. A total of 5 formulations were prepared using the polymer carbopol-934. Topical emulgel of neem oil was formulated and subjected to evaluation studies such as organoleptic properties, pH, Viscosity, Spreadibility, Invitro diffusion studies, Accelerated stability studies using ultracentrifugation, SEM analysis and Invitro antifungal properties. Formulation F5 subjected to in vitro oil diffusion study had shown a total release of 65.27% after 8 hours. Korsmeyer-Peppa’s plot had shown that the mechanism of diffusion was non-fickian. Emulgel of neem oil shown zone of inhibition on invitro antifungal study using Candida albicans as fungi. Formulation F5 show highest zone of inhibition of 12mm as compared to other formulations. It was concluded that, formulation of neem oil as a semi solid dual release control emulgel formulation with a time dependant oil diffusion, also add up all the advantage of a semisolid dosage compared to liquids with optimum Spreadibility, stability, aesthetic appearance, adherence to the affected scalp area and with pH that is similar scalp.

Droplet formation of yield stress fluids in asymmetric parallelized microchannels

The microemulsion method is limited due to low productivity. Using Carbopol gel (0.05 %, 0.13 %, 0.2 %) and mineral oil as dispersed phase and continuous phase respectively (3 ≤ Qd ≤ 8, 2 ≤ Qc ≤ 350), the numbering-up of YSFs droplets in asymmetric parallel microchannels are experimentally studied. Ca*(10-3-10) and Cac (10-4-10-2) are introduced to divide the two-dual droplet flow pattern which is conducive to production. It is found that yield stress mainly acts on the necking stage of droplet formation, so the continuous phase flow can be increased to shorten the necking time and improve the size uniformity. The influence of rheology on droplet morphology makes the existing multiphase flow pressure drop model no longer applicable. Therefore, a correction pressure drop model of Carbopol slugs and prediction models of droplet size and generation frequency are proposed. This study provides a reference for the high-throughput production of YSFs droplets in microchannels.

Drag on a plate perpendicular to the flow of an elasto-viscoplastic fluid

The flow with no inertia of an elasto-viscoplastic fluid around a plate perpendicular to the flow direction was considered. Firstly, experiments were performed with a model yield stress fluid, an aqueous Carbopol gel. The viscoelastic behavior of the fluid is identified by steady and transient rheological measurements. The drag force on the plate has been measured as a function of the plate velocity in steady state and in relaxation after stopping the movement. The role of the initial stress state in the fluid was highlighted. Secondly, numerical simulations were carried out using the finite element method with Lagrangian integration points. As a first approach, the elasto-viscoplastic behaviour of the gel has been simplified by a constitutive equation based on the Maxwell and Herschel-Bulkley models. The solid–liquid transition is defined by the von Mises criterion. The comparison between experimental and numerical data are quite satisfactory.

Targeting Potential of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Finasteride-loaded Nano Lipidic Carriers-infused Topical Gel - In vitro and In vivo Skin Permeation Studies

Background: There is an unmet clinical need to develop topical carriers for finasteride to reduce its systemic side effects in the treatment of androgenic alopecia (AGA). Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have also emerged as an influential agent in hair biology. Aim: The main focus of the work was to develop a novel formulation to explore the potential of ZnO nanoparticles in combination with NLCs of finasteride (FIN) for topical delivery. Method: ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by precipitation method and were subsequently incorporated within the Carbopol gel. The ZnO nanoparticles and the gel were evaluated for their physicochemical characteristics. In vitro release study was performed for the determination of release of the drugs from the gel and ex vivo study was conducted for the determination of penetration of the NLCs and ZnO nanoparticles into the skin. Result: The particle size of the nanoparticles was found to be 200 nm. The pH, viscosity and spreadability of the gel was observed to be 6.13±2.11, 35,845.3±6.97 cps at 5 rpm and 17.14±2.32 respectively. Ex vivo drug permeation and skin distribution studies of the NLC gel formulations carried on rat dorsal skin indicated 25.763±0.2 μg/cm² and 19.375±1.2 μg/cm² of FIN and ZnO in 12 hr respectively. Conclusion: The results indicated the potential of developed systems for topical drug delivery for treatment of androgenic alopecia.

Acitretin-loaded nanoethosomal gel for the treatment of psoriasis: Formulation, optimization, in vitro, and in vivo assessment

Acitretin (ACT) is a second-generation systemic retinoid used to treat severe psoriasis. However, its poor aqueous solubility and systemic adverse effects make it impractical for oral administration. The primary objective of this research is to prepare, optimize, and evaluate a nanogel consisting of acitretin-loaded ethosomes (ACT-ETH) for its anti-psoriatic potential. A 32 full factorial design was employed for optimization. Thin-film hydration was adopted to prepare ACT-ETH, and then their physicochemical characteristics were tested. The optimized ACT-ETH was converted into a carbopol gel and then evaluated for cytotoxicity, skin irritation, and anti-psoriatic properties. The vesicle size, zeta potential (ZP), and percent entrapment efficiency (% EE) of the optimal ACT-ETH are 147 ± 2.15 nm, −11.5 ± 0.25 mV, and 90.70 ± 0.89%, respectively. The fluorescence microscopy study has shown that ethosomes may go deeper into the skin layers. Compared to plain gel, ACT-ETH gel greatly increased skin permeability and deposition in the ex-vivo skin permeation and deposition tests. The in vitro cytotoxicity investigation revealed that the cytotoxicity of ACT against normal cells (L-929) was significantly reduced by ACT-ETH gel compared to plain ACT gel. The skin irritation study proved that ACT-ETH gel was well tolerated and safe for use on the skin. The in vivo anti-psoriatic study showed that using ACT-ETH gel to treat psoriasis on the skin led to a significant improvement in the therapeutic response. Based on these results, ACT-ETH gel has the potential to increase the topical anti-psoriatic action of ACT by mitigating its known drawbacks.

Therapeutic Effects of Hydrogel Formulations Incorporating Troxipide Nanoparticles on Oral Mucositis in Hamsters.

Medical therapies, such as the use of anti-inflammatory agents, are commonly used for the treatment of oral mucositis (OM). However, these treatments have limited efficacy in treating severe cases of OM. In this study, we aimed to develop a carbopol gel incorporating troxipide (TRO) nanoparticles and methylcellulose (TRO-NP gel) and demonstrate its efficacy in accelerating wound healing in a hamster model of OM (OM model) induced by acetic acid injection. TRO nanoparticles were prepared using bead milling. The crystalline form was determined by powder X-ray diffraction, and the particle size was measured using a NanoSight LM10 instrument. The drug release was determined using a Franz diffusion cell, and the hamsters injected with acetic acid were selected to evaluate the therapeutic effect of OM. After preparing TRO nanoparticles, we observed a mixture of crystals and amorphous TRO, and the particle size of TRO in the TRO-NP gel ranged from 50 to 280 nm. The TRO-NP gel exhibited a more uniform TRO distribution and viscosity compared to the Carbopol gel containing TRO microparticles (TRO-MP gel). However, the solubility of TRO was comparable in both TRO-MP and TRO-NP gels. The TRO-NP gel released a higher amount of TRO than that from the TRO-MP gel, with detectable release of TRO nanoparticles. TRO levels in the cheek pouches of hamsters treated with TRO-NP gel were higher than those treated with TRO-MP gel. The increased TRO levels in the cheek pouches of hamsters treated with TRO-NP gel were attenuated by treatment with 40 μM dynasore, an inhibitor of clathrin-dependent endocytosis (CME). Moreover, the therapeutic effect of the TRO-NP gel was superior to that of the TRO-MP gel in the hamster model of OM. We have designed a TRO-NP gel, and this gel showed excellent TRO delivery into the cheek pouch tissue through the CME pathway. Moreover, the TRO-NP gel treatment enhanced wound healing after acetic acid injection.

Binary Ethosomal Gel for Enhanced Transdermal Delivery of Tazarotene: Development, Refinement, in vitro Evaluation, and Skin Penetration Investigations

Background: Tazarotene (TZ) is a novel acetylenic class retinoid that selectively targets RARβ/γ. It is not particularly soluble or bioavailable, yet it is used to treat melanoma. Objective: To improve the tazarotene gel formula's transdermal distribution. Methods: TZ-incorporated binary ethosomes (TZ-BES) were developed for the current study. The cold technique and optimized Box-Behnken statistical design tools were used to synthesize the TZ-BES. The improved ethosome (TZ-BES13) was mixed with carbopol gel and tested for stability and ex vivo skin penetration, as well as viscosity, pH, spreadability, and drug content. Results: The optimal ethosomes (TZ-BES13) had a vesicle size of 168 nm, a PDI of 0.367, a zeta potential of -30 mV, and an entrapment effectiveness of 79.94%. TZ is enclosed in the ethosome matrix, as seen by the differential scanning calorimetry thermogram. FTIR shows that the TZ and additives are compatible. TZ-BES13-G2, the optimized TZ-BES13 gel, has a spreadability of 7.82 cm2, a pH of 6.52, a viscosity of 17235, and a drug content of 99.82±1.04%. Compared to the plan TZ-gel (43.54%), the TZ-BES13-G2 exhibits a much higher TZ release (89.22%). In 6 hours, rat abdomen skin permeability for TZ-BES13-G2 was 66.22±3.31%, much greater than that of plan TZ-gel (24.67%). The flow of TZ-BES13-G2 was 2.68 times greater than that of plan TZ-gel. The stability analysis showed that the formulation's properties had not changed significantly. Conclusion: Ethosomal gel offers an alternative mode of TZ administration when used topically.

Isolation of curcumin from Lakadong turmeric of Meghalaya and development of its PLGA-Cur-NS loaded nanogel for potential anti-inflammatory and cutaneous wound healing activity in Wistar rats

BackgroundLakadong turmeric (LKD) from Meghalaya, India, boasts high curcumin levels, but lacks scientific study. Moreover, Curcumin's poor solubility hinders its clinical use in inflammation and wound healing. This study isolated curcumin from LKD, forming a PLGA nanosuspension-based nanogel and explored for its potential anti-inflammatory and cutaneous wound healing activity in Wistar rats.MethodologyThe LKD rhizome was successively extracted by soxhlet using chloroform, hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol and their total phenolic content and antioxidant property was determined. Chloroform extract was loaded in column chromatography and curcumin was isolated, purified and characterized by FTIR, NMR, DSC, MS and HPTLC and its purity was analyzed by HPLC. The isolated curcumin was loaded into PLGA nanosuspensions by nanoprecipitation method followed by conversion to carbopol based Nanogel. The nanogels were characterized physicochemically and the drug permeation was observed. The optimized nanogel was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory and cutaneous wound healing activity by carrageenan-induced paw edema and excision wound model in albino Wistar rats divided in five groups and treated with plain carbopol gel, marketed turmeric cream and Cur NS nanogel (0.6% w/w equivalent curcumin each).ResultsResults depicted that the chloroform extract showed the presence of a considerable amount of phenolics with 50-60% yield of curcumin. HPLC analysis depicted that the LKD curcumin had higher purity when compared to standard curcumin. Homogenous curcumin nanosuspensions were obtained with size 150 ± 50 nm and PDI 0.2 ± 0.1. The Cur-NS-nanogel showed satisfactory physical property, drug loading and stability. Ex vivo permeation studies in rats showed controlled permeation with steady state flux of 21.28 ± 0.23 µg/cm2/hr in 24 h. Topical intervention with Cur-NS-nanogel (0.6%) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the paw volume by 43.97% in the 3rd hour and 72.19% on the 4th hour. Furthermore, the cutaneous wound healing property of Cur-NS-nanogel when compared to negative control rats showed a substantial (p < 0.05) reduction in the percentage wound contraction from 5 to 20th days.ConclusionLKD showed high curcumin content with significant antioxidant effects. LKD curcumin loaded into stable nanogel depicted safe and controlled skin permeability with promising cutaneous wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity in experimental rats.

Development of a Nanoemulgel for the Topical Application of Mupirocin.

Mupirocin (MUP) is an effective topical antibiotic with poor skin permeability; however, its skin permeability can be improved by a nanoemulsion formulation based on eucalyptus oil or eucalyptol. Despite this improvement, the nanoemulsion has limitations, such as low viscosity, low spreadability, and poor retention on the skin. To overcome these limitations, the aim of this study was to develop a nanoemulgel formulation that would enhance its rheological behaviour and physicochemical properties. The MUP nanoemulgel was prepared by incorporating a preprepared MUP nanoemulsion into Carbopol gel at a concentration of 0.75% in a 1:1 ratio. The nanoemulgel formulations were characterised and evaluated for their physicochemical and mechanical strength properties, rheological behaviour, and in vitro skin permeation and deposition, as well as antibacterial studies. Both nanoemulgels exhibited stability at temperatures of 4 and 25 °C for a period of 3 months. They had a smooth, homogenous, and consistent appearance and displayed non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behaviour, with differences in their viscosity and spreadability. However, both nanoemulgels exhibited lower skin permeability compared to the marketed control. The local accumulation efficiency of MUP from nanoemulgel after 8 h was significantly higher than that of the control, although there was no significant difference after 24 h. Micro-CT scan imaging allowed visualisation of these findings and interpretation of the deposited drug spots within the layers of treated skin. While there were no significant differences in the antibacterial activities between the nanoemulgels and the control, the nanoemulgels demonstrated superiority over the control due to their lower content of MUP. These findings support the potential use of the nanoemulgel for targeting skin lesions where high skin deposition and low permeability are required, such as in the case of topical antibacterial agents.

Design and Evaluation of Continentalic Acid Encapsulated Transfersomal Gel and Profiling of its Anti-arthritis Activity.

Rheumatoid arthritis restricts the physical ability of patients and increases the disease burden; therefore, research has always been focused on evaluating better therapeutic options. The present research aimed to design Continentalic acid (CA)-loaded transfersomes (CA-TF) embedded in Carbopol gel containing permeation enhancer (PE) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. CA-TF was developed via a modified thin film hydration method and incorporated into Carbopol 934 gel containing Eucalyptus oil (EO) as PE. The fabricated CA-TF showed particle size of < 140nm with spherical geometry, optimal encapsulation efficiency (EE), and sustained drug release pattern. CA-TF-gel along with PE (CA-TF-PE-gel) showed better ex vivo skin penetration than plain CA gel and CA-TF-gel without PE. In vivo evaluation supported improved therapeutic outcomes of CA-TF-PE-gel in terms of behavioral findings, arthritic index, and histological findings whereas biochemical assays and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) showed a significant decrease in their levels. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry assay for Nrf2 and HO-1 signaling pathways showed significant improvement in the expression of the Nrf2, and HO-1 proteins to depict improvement in arthritic condition in the animal model. CA-TF-PE-gel significantly delivered CA to the diseased target site via a topical route with promising therapeutic outcomes displayed in the CFA-induced arthritic model.