Babchi Oil-Based Nanoemulsion Hydrogel for the Management of Psoriasis: A Novel Energy Economic Approach Employing Biosurfactants

Abstract

The current research aimed to assess the Babchi oil nanoemulsion-based hydrogel prepared using biosurfactants through a low-energy emulsification process for the topical management of psoriasis. The emulsification capacity and solubilities of many nanoemulsion constituents such as surfactants, co-surfactants, and oil were considered to determine the range of concentration of the constituents. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were created using the method of titration. Nanoemulgel structure, morphology, micromeritics, conductivity, and viscosity were all optimized. The assessment of the Babchi oil nanoemulgel included particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), drug content, pH, spreadability, rheological management, ex vivo drug study, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging ability, in vitro drug release, release kinetics, and dermatokinetics. The selected ratios of the surfactant mixture (Smix) taken were 3:1. The entrapment efficiency estimated was 91.298%. The zeta potential of Babchi oil was observed to be -24.93 mV at 25 °C with water as a dispersant, viscosity as 0.887 cP, and material absorption as 0.01 nm. The size distribution of the particle was 108 nm by the intensity and the conductivity observed was 0.03359 mS/cm. The cumulative amount of Babchi oil penetrated and fluxed by nanoemulgel was considered larger (p ≤ 0.05) than the conventional formulations. Skin retention was observed to be good with decreased lag time. The formulation followed the Higuchi Korsmeyer for Fickian Peppas model for in vitro drug release studies. The oil was most effective on the epidermal layer of the skin for treatment. It was established that the Babchi oil nanoemulgel formulation had superior permeability capabilities for topical and transdermal administration and is a viable alternative to traditional formulations.

Keywords: Babchi oil; low energy emulsification; nanoemulgel; nanoemulsion-based hydrogel; psoriasis.

Figure 1

Pseudoternary phase diagrams displaying the area of nanoemulsion of Smix. (a) 3:1 (Selected ratio for Smix). (b) 4:1. (c) 5:1. (d) 2:1. (e) 1:0. (f) 1:1.

Figure 2

TEM measurement (scale set at 50 nm).

Figure 3

3D Response surface graphs showing the effect of oil and Smix concentration on (a) Particle Size (nm), (b) Zeta Potential (mV) and (c) Entrapment Efficiency (%EE).

Figure 3

3D Response surface graphs showing the effect of oil and Smix concentration on (a) Particle Size (nm), (b) Zeta Potential (mV) and (c) Entrapment Efficiency (%EE).

Figure 4

Zeta potential data analysis, (a) phase–time graph of Babchi oil zeta potential, (b) total count of Babchi oil zeta potential distribution graph, (c) Babchi size distribution and intensity graph.

Figure 5

In vitro release study of optimized nanoemulsion and release suspension.

Figure 6

Different models used for in vitro release studies: (a) Zero order release model (b) First order release model (c) Higuchi model (d) Korsmeyer Peppas model.

Figure 7

Absorption observed at different concentrations of nanoemulgel.

Figure 8

Release kinetics of nanoemulgel observed.

Figure 9

Images of CLSM within the perpendicular cross-section of optimal skin surface of rats.

Figure 10

(a) Effect of Babchi oil nanoemulgel on epidermis concentration; (b) Effect of Babchi oil nanoemulgel on dermis concentration.