Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Author Spotlight: An Antimicrobial Fabric Using Nano-Herbal Encapsulation of Essential Oils
Published on: April 7, 2023
PLGA nanoparticles optimized by Box-Behnken for efficient encapsulation of therapeutic Cymbopogon citratus essential
Kessiane B Almeida1, Aline S Ramos2, Júlia B B Nunes3
1Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil; Pós-graduação em Ciências Aplicadas a Produtos para Saúde, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil.
Abstract:
This study aimed to optimize Cymbopogon citratus essential oil loaded into PLGA-nanoparticles by investigating the effect of processing variables (sonication time, ultrasound power, and essential oil/polymer ratio) on encapsulation efficiency and particle mean hydrodynamic diameter using Box-Behnken design. Nanoparticles were prepared by an emulsification/solvent diffusion method and physicochemically characterized by FTIR, DSC and TGA/DTA. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in human HaCat keratinocytes by WST-1 and LDH assays. The optimized formulation had a hydrodynamic mean diameter of 277 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.18, a Zeta potential of -16 mV and an encapsulation efficiency of 73%. Nanoparticle characterization showed that only citral was incorporated in nanocarriers, with some amount adsorbed on their surface, and highlighted the potential in increasing the oil thermal stability. The drug release profile demonstrated a biphasic pattern with a substantial sustained release depending on diffusion from the polymeric matrix. Toxicity effects on cell viability of pure essential oil at low concentrations were significantly eliminated when encapsulated. Results revealed the ability of PLGA-nanoparticles to improve essential oil physicochemical characteristics, by controlling release and reducing toxicity, suggesting their potential use in pharmaceutical preparations.
More Related Videos
09:12Optimization of Processing of Tiebangchui with Highland Barley Wine Based on the Box-Behnken Design Combined with the Entropy Method
Published on: May 19, 2023
09:16Author Spotlight: Optimization of Processing Technology for Tiebangchui with Zanba Based on CRITIC Combined with Box-Behnken Response Surface Method
Published on: May 12, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Compounds Essential to Human Function
Inorganic Compounds Essential to Human Functioning
Inorganic compounds essential to human functioning include water, salts, acids, and bases. These compounds are inorganic, i.e., they do not have a carbon-hydrogen bond. Water...
Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Therapeutic Index
Optimal Foraging
Design Example: Flow of Oil Through Circular Pipes
Optimization Problems