Development, Optimization, and Evaluation of New Gel Formulations with Cyclodextrin Complexes and Volatile Oils with...

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Development of novel antimicrobial hydrogels is crucial for combating infections.
• Essential oils (clove, tea tree, rosemary) possess known antimicrobial properties.
• Cyclodextrin complexation can improve essential oil stability and delivery in formulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate and characterize hydrogels incorporating clove, tea tree, and rosemary essential oils.
• To evaluate the pharmaco-technical and rheological properties of these antimicrobial hydrogels.
• To assess the antimicrobial efficacy of the developed hydrogel formulations.

Main Methods:

• Hydrogels were prepared with varying concentrations of Carbopol 940 and volatile essential oils.
• Rheological analysis (viscosity, yield stress, flow index) was performed to determine gel behavior.
• Antimicrobial activity was tested against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and Candida species.

Main Results:

• Hydrogels exhibited pseudoplastic behavior, indicating suitable consistency and handling.
• Increased Carbopol 940 concentration significantly improved yield stress, consistency, and viscosity.
• Formulations with higher essential oil concentrations demonstrated enhanced antimicrobial activity, particularly against Candida tropicalis.

Conclusions:

• Carbopol 940 concentration is the primary determinant of hydrogel rheological properties.
• Volatile essential oil concentration effectively modulates the antimicrobial effectiveness of the hydrogels.
• The developed hydrogels show promise as effective antimicrobial agents.