QbD-Optimized, Phospholipid-Based Elastic Nanovesicles for the Effective Delivery of 6-Gingerol: A Promising Topical Option for Pain-Related Disorders

Abstract

In this study, elastic nanovesicles, constructed of phospholipids optimized by Quality by Design (QbD), release 6-gingerol (6-G), a natural chemical that may alleviate osteoporosis and musculoskeletal-related pain. A 6-gingerol-loaded transfersome (6-GTF) formulation was developed using a thin film and sonication approach. 6-GTFs were optimized using BBD. Vesicle size, PDI, zeta potential, TEM, in vitro drug release, and antioxidant activity were evaluated for the 6-GTF formulation. The optimized 6-GTF formulation had a 160.42 nm vesicle size, a 0.259 PDI, and a −32.12 mV zeta potential. TEM showed sphericity. The 6-GTF formulation’s in vitro drug release was 69.21%, compared to 47.71% for the pure drug suspension. The Higuchi model best described 6-G release from transfersomes, while the Korsmeyer–Peppas model supported non-Fickian diffusion. 6-GTF had more antioxidant activity than the pure 6-G suspension. The optimized transfersome formulation was converted into a gel to improve skin retention and efficacy. The optimized gel had a spreadability of 13.46 ± 4.42 g·cm/s and an extrudability of 15.19 ± 2.01 g/cm2. The suspension gel had a 1.5 μg/cm2/h ex vivo skin penetration flux, while the 6-GTF gel had 2.71 μg/cm2/h. Rhodamine B-loaded TF gel reached deeper skin layers (25 μm) compared to the control solution in the CLSM study. The gel formulation’s pH, drug concentration, and texture were assessed. This study developed QbD-optimized 6-gingerol-loaded transfersomes. 6-GTF gel improved skin absorption, drug release, and antioxidant activity. These results show that the 6-GTF gel formulation has the ability to treat pain-related illnesses effectively. Hence, this study offers a possible topical treatment for conditions connected to pain.

Rutin-Loaded Transethosomal Gel for Topical Application: A Comprehensive Analysis of Skin Permeation and Antimicrobial Efficacy

“…The carboxy vinyl polymer (Carbopol 934) was used as a gelling agent, and it is advantageous in topical gels since it exhibits minimal changes in viscosity within the pH range of 5−8. 27 The development of a rutin-based topical antimicrobial formulation presents a justified advancement over existing treatments due to rutin's established efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which is critical in combating antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, the utilization of innovative nanoformulations such as nanostructured lipid carriers, ethosomes, and glycerosomes enables the incorporation of rutin for sun protection, antioxidant efficacy, and antibacterial properties, promising superior therapeutic outcomes compared to conventional treatments.…”

“…Viscosity regulates the process of drug being absorbed into the body and the duration it remains on the skin. The carboxy vinyl polymer (Carbopol 934) was used as a gelling agent, and it is advantageous in topical gels since it exhibits minimal changes in viscosity within the pH range of 5–8 …”

“…The carboxy vinyl polymer (Carbopol 934) was used as a gelling agent, and it is advantageous in topical gels since it exhibits minimal changes in viscosity within the pH range of 5–8. 27 …”