Editorial

4 pages, 206 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Liposomal and Ethosomal Gels: From Design to Application

by Maddalena Sguizzato and Rita Cortesi

Gels 2023, 9(11), 887; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9110887 - 09 Nov 2023

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The use of lipid-based nanosystems for topical administration represents an innovative “green” approach, being composed of materials, defined as GRAS (generally recognized as safe), characterized by low toxicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liposomal and Ethosomal Gels: From Design to Application)

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19 pages, 2671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Characterization of an Ethosomal Gel Encapsulating Rosehip Extract

by Valentina Sallustio, Giovanna Farruggia, Massimiliano Pio di Cagno, Martina M. Tzanova, Joana Marto, Helena Ribeiro, Lidia Maria Goncalves, Manuela Mandrone, Ilaria Chiocchio, Teresa Cerchiara, Angela Abruzzo, Federica Bigucci and Barbara Luppi

Gels 2023, 9(5), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9050362 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2288

Abstract

Rising environmental awareness drives green consumers to purchase sustainable cosmetics based on natural bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to deliver Rosa canina L. extract as a botanical ingredient in an anti-aging gel using an eco-friendly approach. Rosehip extract was first [...] Read more.

Rising environmental awareness drives green consumers to purchase sustainable cosmetics based on natural bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to deliver Rosa canina L. extract as a botanical ingredient in an anti-aging gel using an eco-friendly approach. Rosehip extract was first characterized in terms of its antioxidant activity through a DPPH assay and ROS reduction test and then encapsulated in ethosomal vesicles with different percentages of ethanol. All formulations were characterized in terms of size, polydispersity, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency. Release and skin penetration/permeation data were obtained through in vitro studies, and cell viability was assessed using an MTT assay on WS1 fibroblasts. Finally, ethosomes were incorporated in hyaluronic gels (1% or 2% w/v) to facilitate skin application, and rheological properties were studied. Rosehip extract (1 mg/mL) revealed a high antioxidant activity and was successfully encapsulated in ethosomes containing 30% ethanol, having small sizes (225.4 ± 7.0 nm), low polydispersity (0.26 ± 0.02), and good entrapment efficiency (93.41 ± 5.30%). This formulation incorporated in a hyaluronic gel 1% w/v showed an optimal pH for skin application (5.6 ± 0.2), good spreadability, and stability over 60 days at 4 °C. Considering sustainable ingredients and eco-friendly manufacturing technology, the ethosomal gel of rosehip extract could be an innovative and green anti-aging skincare product. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liposomal and Ethosomal Gels: From Design to Application)

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16 pages, 3365 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Niosomes for Topical Application of Antioxidant Molecules: Design and In Vitro Behavior

by Maddalena Sguizzato, Alessia Pepe, Anna Baldisserotto, Riccardo Barbari, Leda Montesi, Markus Drechsler, Paolo Mariani and Rita Cortesi

Gels 2023, 9(2), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9020107 - 26 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1835

Abstract

In the present study, gels based on xanthan gum and poloxamer 407 have been developed and characterized in order to convey natural antioxidant molecules included in niosomes. Specifically, the studies were conducted to evaluate how the vesicular systems affect the release of the [...] Read more.

In the present study, gels based on xanthan gum and poloxamer 407 have been developed and characterized in order to convey natural antioxidant molecules included in niosomes. Specifically, the studies were conducted to evaluate how the vesicular systems affect the release of the active ingredient and which formulation is most suitable for cutaneous application. Niosomes, composed of Span 20 or Tween 20, were produced through the direct hydration method, and therefore, borate buffer or a micellar solution of poloxamer 188 was used as the aqueous phase. The niosomes were firstly characterized in terms of morphology, dimensional and encapsulation stability. Afterwards, gels based on poloxamer 407 or xanthan gum were compared in terms of spreadability and adhesiveness. It was found to have greater spreadability for gels based on poloxamer 407 and 100% adhesiveness for those based on xanthan gum. The in vitro diffusion of drugs studied using Franz cells associated with membranes of mixed cellulose esters showed that the use of a poloxamer micellar hydration phase determined a lower release as well as the use of Span 20. The thickened niosomes ensured controlled diffusion of the antioxidant molecules. Lastly, the in vivo irritation test confirmed the safeness of niosomal gels after cutaneous application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liposomal and Ethosomal Gels: From Design to Application)

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15 pages, 3218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Formulation and In Vivo Pain Assessment of a Novel Niosomal Lidocaine and Prilocaine in an Emulsion Gel (Emulgel) of Semisolid Palm Oil Base for Topical Drug Delivery

by Aidawati Mohamed Shabery, Riyanto Teguh Widodo and Zamri Chik

Gels 2023, 9(2), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9020096 - 22 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1751

Abstract

This study aimed to formulate semisolid niosomal encapsulated lidocaine and prilocaine using the patented palm oil base Hamin-C^® for further characterization and in vivo pain assessment. Seven formulations were initially studied with various chemical compositions. A thin-layer film hydration method was used [...] Read more.

This study aimed to formulate semisolid niosomal encapsulated lidocaine and prilocaine using the patented palm oil base Hamin-C^® for further characterization and in vivo pain assessment. Seven formulations were initially studied with various chemical compositions. A thin-layer film hydration method was used to produce niosome using a mixture of surfactant (Span^® 40 or Span^® 60) and cholesterol (CHOL) at a 1:1 ratio, with/without a charge-inducing agent (diacetyl phosphate) (DCP) and with/without labrasol^®. Niosome F1 formulation had been identified as the highest %EE achieved, at 53.74 and 55.63% for prilocaine and lidocaine, respectively. Furthermore, NIO-HAMIN F1 emulgel indicated the best formulation with higher permeability of prilocaine and lidocaine compared to the rest of the formulations. The reformulation of optimization of NIO-HAMIN F1 emulgel using a cold process to NIO-HAMIN F1-C emulgel to improve the viscosity resulted in higher diffusion of prilocaine and lidocaine by 5.71 and 33.38%, respectively. In vivo pain perception studies by verbal rating score (VRS) and visual analogue score (VAS) on healthy subjects show a comparable local anesthetic effect between NIO-HAMIN F1-C emulgel and EMLA^® cream. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liposomal and Ethosomal Gels: From Design to Application)

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20 pages, 3710 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ginger Extract-Loaded Sesame Oil-Based Niosomal Emulgel: Quality by Design to Ameliorate Anti-Inflammatory Activity

by Marwa H. Abdallah, Hanaa A. Elghamry, Nasrin E. Khalifa, Weam M. A. Khojali, El-Sayed Khafagy, Amr S. Abu Lila, Hemat El-Sayed El-Horany and Shaimaa El-Housiny

Gels 2022, 8(11), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8110737 - 14 Nov 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2489

Abstract

Ginger, a natural plant belonging to the Zingeberaceae family, has been reported to have reasonable anti-inflammatory effects. The current study aimed to examine ginger extract transdermal delivery by generating niosomal vesicles as a promising nano-carrier incorporated into emulgel prepared with sesame oil. Particle [...] Read more.

Ginger, a natural plant belonging to the Zingeberaceae family, has been reported to have reasonable anti-inflammatory effects. The current study aimed to examine ginger extract transdermal delivery by generating niosomal vesicles as a promising nano-carrier incorporated into emulgel prepared with sesame oil. Particle size, viscosity, in vitro release, and ex vivo drug penetration experiments were performed on the produced formulations (ginger extract loaded gel, ginger extract loaded emulgel, ginger extract niosomal gel, and ginger extract niosomal emulgel). Carrageenan-induced edema in rat hind paw was employed to estimate the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. The generated ginger extract formulations showed good viscosity and particle size. The in vitro release of ginger extract from niosomal formulation surpassed other formulations. In addition, the niosomal emulgel formulation showed improved transdermal flux and increased drug permeability through rabbit skin compared to other preparations. Most importantly, carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema test confirmed the potential anti-inflammatory efficacy of ginger extract niosomal emulgel, compared to other formulations, as manifested by a significant decrease in paw edema with a superior edema inhibition potency. Overall, our findings suggest that incorporating a niosomal formulation within sesame oil-based emulgel might represent a plausible strategy for effective transdermal delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs like ginger extract. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liposomal and Ethosomal Gels: From Design to Application)

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19 pages, 3261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biopolymer Lipid Hybrid Microcarrier for Transmembrane Inner Ear Delivery of Dexamethasone

by Maximilian George Dindelegan, Violeta Pașcalău, Maria Suciu, Bogdan Neamțu, Maria Perde-Schrepler, Cristina Maria Blebea, Alma Aurelia Maniu, Violeta Necula, Anca Dana Buzoianu, Miuța Filip, Alexandra Csapai and Cătălin Popa

Gels 2022, 8(8), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8080483 - 01 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2642

Abstract

Dexamethasone is one of the most often used corticosteroid drugs for sensorineural hearing loss treatment, and is used either by intratympanic injection or through systemic delivery. In this study, a biopolymer lipid hybrid microcarrier was investigated for enhanced local drug delivery and sustained [...] Read more.

Dexamethasone is one of the most often used corticosteroid drugs for sensorineural hearing loss treatment, and is used either by intratympanic injection or through systemic delivery. In this study, a biopolymer lipid hybrid microcarrier was investigated for enhanced local drug delivery and sustained release at the round window membrane level of the middle ear for the treatment of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Dexamethasone-loaded and dexamethasone-free microparticles were prepared using biopolymers (polysaccharide and protein, pectin and bovine serum albumin, respectively) combined with lipid components (phosphatidylcholine and Dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide) in order to obtain a biopolymer–liposome hybrid system, with a complex structure combining to enhance performance in terms of physical and chemical stability. The structure of the microparticles was evaluated by FTIR, XRD, thermal analysis, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The encapsulation efficiency determination and the in vitro Dexamethasone release study were performed using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The high value of encapsulation efficiency and the results of the release study indicated six days of sustained release, encouraging us to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of Dexamethasone-loaded microparticles and their influence on the cytotoxicity induced by Cisplatin on auditory HEI-OC1 cells. The results show that the new particles are able to protect the inner ear sensory cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liposomal and Ethosomal Gels: From Design to Application)

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16 pages, 2672 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Response Surface Methodology for Optimization of Buspirone Hydrochloride-Loaded In Situ Gel for Pediatric Anxiety

by Marwa H. Abdallah, Dina M. Abdelnabi and Hanaa A. Elghamry

Gels 2022, 8(7), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8070395 - 22 Jun 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1705

Abstract

The purpose of the current investigation was to formulate, assess, and optimize oral in situ gels of buspirone hydrochloride (BH) with the specific end goal of expanding the time the medication spends in the stomach, thereby ensuring an extended medication discharge. This would [...] Read more.

The purpose of the current investigation was to formulate, assess, and optimize oral in situ gels of buspirone hydrochloride (BH) with the specific end goal of expanding the time the medication spends in the stomach, thereby ensuring an extended medication discharge. This would allow the use of a once-a-day dose of liquid BH formulations, which is ideal for the treatment of pediatric anxiety. In situ gels loaded with BH were prepared using various concentrations of sodium alginate (Na alg.), calcium chloride (CaCl₂), and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC K15M). The in situ gels exhibited the desired consistency, drug distribution, pH, ability to form gel, and prolonged drug release in vitro. The (3³) full factorial design was utilized for the revealing of the ideal figures for the selected independent variables, Na alg. (X₁), HPMC (X₂), and CaCl₂ (X₃) based on measurements of the viscosity (Y₁) and percentage drug release after 6 h (Y₂). A pharmacokinetic study of the optimum formulation on rabbits was also performed. The formulation containing 2% of Na alg., 0.9% of HPMC-K15M, and 0.1125% of CaCl₂ was selected as the ideal formulation, which gave the theoretical values of 269.2 cP and 44.9% for viscosity and percentage of drug released after 6 h, respectively. The pharmacokinetic study showed that the selected oral Na alg. in situ gel formulation displayed a prolonged release effect compared to BH solution and the marketed tablet (Buspar^®), which was confirmed by the low C_max and high T_max values. The optimum oral Na alg. in situ gel showed a 1.5-fold increment in bioavailability compared with the drug solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liposomal and Ethosomal Gels: From Design to Application)

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18 pages, 4216 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Formulation and Evaluation of Nano Lipid Carrier-Based Ocular Gel System: Optimization to Antibacterial Activity

by Sadaf Jamal Gilani, May Nasser bin Jumah, Ameeduzzafar Zafar, Syed Sarim Imam, Mohd Yasir, Mohammad Khalid, Sultan Alshehri, Mohammed M. Ghuneim and Fatima M. Albohairy

Gels 2022, 8(5), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8050255 - 21 Apr 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2913

Abstract

The present research work was designed to prepare Azithromycin (AM)-loaded nano lipid carriers (NLs) for ocular delivery. NLs were prepared by the emulsification–homogenization method and further optimized by the Box Behnken design. AM-NLs were optimized using the independent constraints of homogenization speed (A), [...] Read more.

The present research work was designed to prepare Azithromycin (AM)-loaded nano lipid carriers (NLs) for ocular delivery. NLs were prepared by the emulsification–homogenization method and further optimized by the Box Behnken design. AM-NLs were optimized using the independent constraints of homogenization speed (A), surfactant concentration (B), and lipid concentration (C) to obtain optimal NLs (AM-NLop). The selected AM-NLop was further converted into a sol-gel system using a mucoadhesive polymer blend of sodium alginate and hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (AM-NLopIG). The sol-gel system was further characterized for drug release, permeation, hydration, irritation, histopathology, and antibacterial activity. The prepared NLs showed nano-metric size particles (154.7 ± 7.3 to 352.2 ± 15.8 nm) with high encapsulation efficiency (48.8 ± 1.1 to 80.9 ± 2.9%). AM-NLopIG showed a more prolonged drug release (98.6 ± 4.6% in 24 h) than the eye drop (99.4 ± 5.3% in 3 h). The ex vivo permeation result depicted AM-NLopIG, AM-IG, and eye drop. AM-NLopIG exhibited significant higher AM permeation (60.7 ± 4.1%) than AM-IG (33.46 ± 3.04%) and eye drop (23.3 ± 3.7%). The corneal hydration was found to be 76.45%, which is within the standard limit. The histopathology and HET-CAM results revealed that the prepared formulation is safe for ocular use. The antibacterial study revealed enhanced activity from the AM-NLopIG. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liposomal and Ethosomal Gels: From Design to Application)

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20 pages, 2996 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Characterization of a Novel Mucoadhesive Carvedilol Nanosponge: A Promising Platform for Buccal Anti-Hypertensive Delivery

by El-Sayed Khafagy, Amr S. Abu Lila, Nahed Mohamed Sallam, Rania Abdel-Basset Sanad, Mahgoub Mohamed Ahmed, Mamdouh Mostafa Ghorab, Hadil Faris Alotaibi, Ahmed Alalaiwe, Mohammed F. Aldawsari, Saad M. Alshahrani, Abdullah Alshetaili, Bjad K. Almutairy, Ahmed Al Saqr and Shadeed Gad

Gels 2022, 8(4), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8040235 - 11 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2548

Abstract

Carvedilol (CRV) is a non-selective third generation beta-blocker used to treat hypertension, congestive heart failure and angina pectoris. Oral administration of CRV showed poor bioavailability (25%), which might be ascribed to its extensive first-pass metabolism. Buccal delivery is known to boost drugs bioavailability. [...] Read more.

Carvedilol (CRV) is a non-selective third generation beta-blocker used to treat hypertension, congestive heart failure and angina pectoris. Oral administration of CRV showed poor bioavailability (25%), which might be ascribed to its extensive first-pass metabolism. Buccal delivery is known to boost drugs bioavailability. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of bilosomes-based mucoadhesive carvedilol nanosponge for enhancing the oral bioavailability of CRV. The bilosomes were prepared, optimized and characterized for particle size, surface morphology, encapsulation efficiency and ex-vivo permeation studies. Then, the optimized formula was incorporated into a carboxymethyl cellulose/hydroxypropyl cellulose (CMC/HPC) composite mixture to obtain buccal nanosponge enriched with CRV bilosomes. The optimized bilosome formula (BLS9), showing minimum vesicle size, maximum entrapment, and highest cumulative in vitro release, exhibited a spherical shape with 217.2 nm in diameter, 87.13% entrapment efficiency, and sustained drug release for up to 24 h. In addition, ex-vivo drug permeation across sheep buccal mucosa revealed enhanced drug permeation with bilosomal formulations, compared to aqueous drug suspension. Consecutively, BLS9 was incorporated in a CMC/HPC gel and lyophilized for 24 h to obtain bilosomal nanosponge to enhance CRV buccal delivery. Morphological analysis of the prepared nanosponge revealed improved swelling with a porosity of 67.58%. The in vivo assessment of rats indicated that CRV-loaded nanosponge efficiently enhanced systolic/diastolic blood pressure, decreased elevated oxidative stress, improved lipid profile and exhibited a potent cardio-protective effect. Collectively, bilosomal nanosponge might represent a plausible nanovehicle for buccal delivery of CRV for effective management of hypertension. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liposomal and Ethosomal Gels: From Design to Application)

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14 pages, 1367 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tacrolimus-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticle Gel: Formulation Development and In Vitro Assessment for Topical Applications

by Abdul Shakur Khan, Kifayat Ullah Shah, Mohammed Al Mohaini, Abdulkhaliq J. Alsalman, Maitham A. Al Hawaj, Yousef N. Alhashem, Shakira Ghazanfar, Kamran Ahmad Khan, Zahid Rasul Niazi and Arshad Farid

Gels 2022, 8(2), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8020129 - 18 Feb 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3138

Abstract

The currently available topical formulations of tacrolimus have minimal and variable absorption, elevated mean disposition half-life, and skin irritation effects resulting in patient noncompliance. In our study, we fabricated tacrolimus-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) that were converted into a gel for improved topical [...] Read more.

The currently available topical formulations of tacrolimus have minimal and variable absorption, elevated mean disposition half-life, and skin irritation effects resulting in patient noncompliance. In our study, we fabricated tacrolimus-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) that were converted into a gel for improved topical applications. The SLNs were prepared using a solvent evaporation method and characterized for their physicochemical properties. The particle size of the SLNs was in the range of 439 nm to 669 nm with a PDI of ≤0.4, indicating a monodispersed system. The Zeta potential of uncoated SLNs (F1–F5) ranged from −25.80 to −15.40 mV. Those values reverted to positive values for chitosan-decorated formulation (F6). The drug content and entrapment efficiency ranged between 0.86 ± 0.03 and 0.91 ± 0.03 mg/mL and 68.95 ± 0.03 and 83.68 ± 0.04%, respectively. The pH values of 5.45 to 5.53 depict their compatibility for skin application. The surface tension of the SLNs decreased with increasing surfactant concentration that could increase the adherence of the SLNs to the skin. The release of drug from gel formulations was significantly retarded in comparison to their corresponding SLN counterparts (p ≤ 0.05). Both SLNs and their corresponding gel achieved the same level of drug permeation, but the retention of the drug was significantly improved with the conversion of SLNs into their corresponding gel formulation (p ≤ 0.05) due to its higher bioadhesive properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liposomal and Ethosomal Gels: From Design to Application)

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18 pages, 5503 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of NLCs-Based Topical Erythromycin Gel: In Vitro Characterization and Antibacterial Assessment

by Ameeduzzafar Zafar, Syed Sarim Imam, Mohd Yasir, Nabil K. Alruwaili, Omar Awad Alsaidan, Musarrat Husain Warsi, Shehla Nasar Mir Najib Ullah, Sultan Alshehri and Mohammed M. Ghoneim

Gels 2022, 8(2), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8020116 - 13 Feb 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2333

Abstract

In the present study, erythromycin (EM)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were prepared by the emulsification and ultra-sonication method. EM-NLCs were optimized by central composite design using the lipid (A), pluronic F127 (B) and sonication time (C) as independent variables. Their effects were evaluated [...] Read more.

In the present study, erythromycin (EM)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were prepared by the emulsification and ultra-sonication method. EM-NLCs were optimized by central composite design using the lipid (A), pluronic F127 (B) and sonication time (C) as independent variables. Their effects were evaluated on particle size (Y₁) and entrapment efficiency (Y₂). The optimized formulation (EM-NLCs-opt) showed a particle size of 169.6 ± 4.8 nm and entrapment efficiency of 81.7 ± 1.4%. EM-NLCs-opt further transformed into an in-situ gel system by using the carbopol 940 and chitosan blend as a gelling agent. The optimized EM-NLCs in situ gel (EM-NLCs-opt-IG4) showed quick gelation and were found to be stable for more than 24 h. EM-NLCs-opt-IG4 showed prolonged drug release compared to EM in situ gel. It also revealed significant high permeation (56.72%) and flux (1.51-fold) than EM in situ gel. The irritation and hydration study results depicted no damage to the goat cornea. HET-CAM results also confirmed its non-irritant potential (zero score). EM-NLCs-opt-IG4 was found to be isotonic and also showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher antimicrobial activity than EM in situ gel. The findings of the study concluded that NLCs laden in situ gel is an alternative delivery of erythromycin for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liposomal and Ethosomal Gels: From Design to Application)

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20 pages, 3781 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Evaluation of Clove and Cinnamon Supercritical Fluid Extracts-Loaded Emulgel for Antifungal Activity in Denture Stomatitis

by Meenakshi Srinivas Iyer, Anil Kumar Gujjari, Sathishbabu Paranthaman, Amr Selim Abu Lila, Khaled Almansour, Farhan Alshammari, El-Sayed Khafagy, Hany H. Arab and Devegowda Vishakante Gowda

Gels 2022, 8(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8010033 - 04 Jan 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3363

Abstract

Denture stomatitis (DS), usually caused by Candida infection, is one of the common denture-related complications in patients wearing dentures. Clove and cinnamon oils have been acknowledged for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial activity, and antifungal effects in the oral cavity. The aim of this study, [...] Read more.

Denture stomatitis (DS), usually caused by Candida infection, is one of the common denture-related complications in patients wearing dentures. Clove and cinnamon oils have been acknowledged for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial activity, and antifungal effects in the oral cavity. The aim of this study, therefore, was to prepare clove/cinnamon oils-loaded emulgel and to assess its efficacy in treating Candida albicans-associated denture stomatitis. Central composite design was adopted to formulate and optimize clove/cinnamon extracts-loaded emulgel. The formulated preparations were assessed for their physical appearance, particle size, viscosity, spreadability, and in-vitro drug release. In addition, in-vivo therapeutic experiments were conducted on 42 patients with denture stomatitis. The prepared emulgel formulations showed good physical characteristics with efficient drug release within 3 h. In addition, in-vivo antifungal studies revealed that the optimized formula significantly (p < 0.001) reduced Candida colony counts from the denture surface, compared to commercially available gel (240.38 ± 27.20 vs. 398.19 ± 66.73 CFU/mL, respectively). Furthermore, the optimized formula and succeeded in alleviating denture stomatitis-related inflammation with a better clinical cure rate compared to commercially available gel Collectively, herbal extracts-loaded emulgel might be considered an evolution of polyherbal formulations and might represent a promising alternative to the existing allopathic drugs for the treatment of denture stomatitis, with better taste acceptability and no side effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liposomal and Ethosomal Gels: From Design to Application)

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18 pages, 4695 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality by Design for Optimizing a Novel Liposomal Jojoba Oil-Based Emulgel to Ameliorate the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Brucine

by Marwa H. Abdallah, Heba S. Elsewedy, Amr S. AbuLila, Khaled Almansour, Rahamat Unissa, Hanaa A. Elghamry and Mahmoud S. Soliman

Gels 2021, 7(4), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels7040219 - 18 Nov 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2616

Abstract

One of the recent advancements in research is the application of natural products in developing newly effective formulations that have few drawbacks and that boost therapeutic effects. The goal of the current exploration is to investigate the effect of jojoba oil in augmenting [...] Read more.

One of the recent advancements in research is the application of natural products in developing newly effective formulations that have few drawbacks and that boost therapeutic effects. The goal of the current exploration is to investigate the effect of jojoba oil in augmenting the anti-inflammatory effect of Brucine natural alkaloid. This is first development of a formulation that applies Brucine and jojoba oil int a PEGylated liposomal emulgel proposed for topical application. Initially, various PEGylated Brucine liposomal formulations were fabricated using a thin-film hydration method. (2²) Factorial design was assembled using two factors (egg Phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol concentrations) and three responses (particle size, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release). The optimized formula was incorporated within jojoba oil emulgel. The PEGylated liposomal emulgel was inspected for its characteristics, in vitro, ex vivo and anti-inflammatory behaviors. Liposomal emulgel showed a pH of 6.63, a spreadability of 48.8 mm and a viscosity of 9310 cP. As much as 40.57% of Brucine was released after 6 h, and drug permeability exhibited a flux of 0.47 µg/cm²·h. Lastly, % of inflammation was lowered to 47.7, which was significant effect compared to other formulations. In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory influence of jojoba oil and Brucine was confirmed, supporting their integration into liposomal emulgel as a potential nanocarrier. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liposomal and Ethosomal Gels: From Design to Application)

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