Design of Experiment Approach for Formulation and Development of Nanosponges Loaded Gel of Chenopodium Album Leaves Extract

Abstract

The present study was carried out to design and develop a nanosponge-loaded gel containing Chenopodium album leaves extract using a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach. Initially, phytochemical screening of the extract confirmed the existence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. Nanosponge formulations were prepared using the hot melt method and optimized based on various parameters. The optimized nanosponge formulation exhibited a percentage yield in pet. ether 0.87% and ethanol 1.79%, particle size of 352.2 nm, zeta potential of 29.2 mV indicating good stability, and spherical morphology as confirmed by SEM analysis. The formulation showed smooth physical appearance. The optimized nanosponge formulation was further incorporated into a gel base to develop a nanosponge-loaded gel. A number of factors were assessed for the manufactured gel, showing desirable organoleptic properties, good homogenicity, pH of 6.9, viscosity of 5406±0.28 cps (measured by Brookfield viscometer), and spreadability of 12.36 g·cm/sec. In vitro antimicrobial activity conducted via the well diffusion method demonstrated significant zones of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, confirming the gel's antimicrobial potential. Stability studies performed as per ICH guidelines over a period of three months revealed no significant changes in physical appearance, pH, or viscosity, indicating that the formulation was stable under accelerated conditions. Overall, the study successfully formulated a stable and effective nanosponge-based gel with promising antimicrobial properties from Chenopodium album leaves extract.