Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy and Cell Viability of Qbd Optimized Formulation of Curcumin-Loaded Nano-Emulgel

The objective of this study was to develop and optimize curcumin-loaded nanoemulgel (NEG) using linseed oil, vitamin E and carbapol 934 and to evaluate antimicrobial, antifungal, and cytotoxicity activity, along with the possible gene-gene interactions of curcumin using network pharmacology. Eight different formulations were developed by using linseed oil and vitamin E and optimized based on particle size and entrapment efficiency using Design Expert software prior to formulation. The Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) plot for Carbopol displayed distinct peak at 83.33 °C, curcumin at 133.93 °C and tween 80 at 102.17 °C. The DSC of F₁, F₂, and F₃ formulations does not showed any sharp peak. The results indicated that all formulations-maintained pH values within the range of 6.2 to 6.8, aligning with the requirements for topical applications. The spreadability values, ranging from 11.25 to 15.85, demonstrated that the formulations could be easily applied to the skin or target surfaces. Viscosity of all formulations was found to be within the range of 1145.62 to 2258.47 cps, show ed the best formulations F₃. Among the eight formulations, F3 emerged as the most efficient, exhibiting optimal characteristics with a particle size of 1121 nm and zeta potential of -29.2 mV. This formulation was selected for further evaluation against antimicrobial activity against Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus using the plate count agar technique, and cell viability assay has been performed through MTT assay. The F₃ formulation demonstrated significantly strong antimicrobial effect, which was further enhanced by increasing the dose of both F3 and pure curcumin. MTT assay of F₃ formulation revealed cell viability of 25.64%, with compared to 39.67% for pure curcumin, suggesting minimal cytotoxicity. The antimicrobial activity was performed for its effectiveness against model microorganisms like Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Candida albicans, while curcumin alone showed limited antifungal activity, the F₃ formulation exhibited promising antifungal effects against Aspergillus oryzae (A. oryzae) and Aspergillus niger (A. niger). The antifungal potency of F₃ was dose-dependent, with higher doses showing increased efficacy. Network pharmacology analysis suggested that F₃ may exert its therapeutic effects by inhibiting tubulin proteins, modulating RNA translation, and affecting cell signalling pathways. Therefore, the F₃ formulation was established as cost-effective, efficient antimicrobial formulation with minimal cytotoxicity, making it a promising candidate for further development in both antimicrobial and antifungal therapies with minimum toxicity.