Formulation and optimization of mesoporous silica loaded gel containing extract of Rosmarinus officinalis for treatment of acute wound healing

Abstract

This study investigate the development and optimization of a mesoporous silica-loaded gel formulated with Rosmarinus officinalis extract, aiming to amplify wound healing capabilities by harnessing the plant's known therapeutic properties alongside the sophisticated drug delivery advantages of mesoporous silica. The formulation process entailed encapsulating the Rosmarinus officinalis extract within mesoporous silica particles before their incorporation into a gel matrix, with particular attention paid to the variable concentrations of Poloxamer 407 and HPMC K15 M to evaluate their effect on the gel's Spreadability and drug release profile. Employing a comprehensive full factorial experimental design analyzed through Design-Expert software, inclusive of ANOVA and 3D surface plotting, the investigation identified batch RF7 as the prime formulation, composed of 14 % w/v Poloxamer 407 and 1 % w/v HPMC K15 M. RF7 precisely matched the predicted Spreadability with an experimental value of 13.6 gm.cm/sec and showcased a promising Cumulative % drug release at 10 h of 87.93 %, closely aligning with a predicted 89.94 %, marking a minimal percentage error of −2.01 %. The study further validated RF7 efficacy through stability and in-vitro antibacterial activity assessments, where it demonstrated significant zones of inhibition against E. coli (22.5 ± 0.87 mm) and S. Aureus (23.4 ± 1.15 mm), nearly paralleling or outperforming the Rosmarinus officinalis extract itself and a marketed standard, Candiderma Plus. These findings, supported by rigorous statistical validation, underscore RF7 enhanced wound healing potential, marrying natural therapeutic virtues with cutting-edge drug delivery technology for a promising advancement in wound care solutions.