Simple formulation and characterization of double emulsion variant designed to carry three bioactive agents

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Multiple emulsions are advanced drug delivery systems offering enhanced bioavailability and reduced toxicity.
• Developing stable and effective multiple emulsions remains a key challenge in pharmaceutical formulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate a unique triple bioactive component double emulsion (O1/W + W1/O2/W/W).
• To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of the developed double emulsion against specific bacterial strains.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of a double emulsion using Ocimum tenuiflorum oil, Cocos nucifera oil, and Cinnamomum camphora with Tween-20, Tween-80, and Triton X-100 surfactants.
• Characterization via bright field microscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
• Antimicrobial activity testing against Fusobacterium nucleatum (FN) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG).

Main Results:

• Successful formulation of a stable double emulsion incorporating three bioactive components.
• Comprehensive characterization confirmed the emulsion's structure and properties using multiple advanced techniques.
• The double emulsion exhibited comparable or enhanced antimicrobial potency against FN and PG compared to individual components.

Conclusions:

• The developed double emulsion represents a promising platform for drug delivery, leveraging the synergistic effects of its bioactive components.
• The simple formulation method and demonstrated antimicrobial activity highlight its potential therapeutic applications, particularly in combating specific bacterial infections.