Optimization and Physical Characterization of Quercetin Nanoemulgel Formula as an Antibacterial Agent

Abstract

Objective: This research aims to optimize the quercetin nanoemulgel formula to improve quercetin solubility as an antibacterial agent. Methods: In this research, quercetin was formulated into nanoemulgel with the factorial design of three independent variables, the concentration of oil phase (virgin coconut oil), surfactant (Tween 80), and co-surfactant (Span 80). The nanoemulgel physical properties (viscosity, spreadability, transmittance value, zeta potential, and particle size) were tested. The data were evaluated using Minitab®18 software; if the p-value<0.05, it is stated that there is a statistically significant difference in the formula, and the use of the response optimizer menu in the Minitab® 18 software determines the optimum formula with multiple responses. Results: The results showed that the concentration of quercetin used to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus was 2 mg/ml. The size of the particles had a mean of 62.487 nm, the polydispersity index had a mean of 0.365, and the percent transmittance had a mean of 95.533±0.113%. Measurements of the zeta potential had a mean of -26.712±0.154, with the viscosity and spreadability of the preparations made having a mean of 2495±0.250 cps and 4.795±0.028 cm. Conclusion: This study reported that the VCO amount of 3g, the tween amount of 12g and the span amount of 3.5g were found to be computational recommendations to achieve the optimum conditions only for percent transmittance value response.