Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDSs) are a type of advanced formulation designed to improve the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. They consist of a mixture of oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants that can spontaneously form upon exposure to aqueous environments and agitation. These nano-sized emulsions increase the surface area of the dug, enhance solubility, and facilitate better absorption to improve the efficacy and bioavailability of lipophilic (affinity for lipids, such as fats) drugs.
In the paper, Potent Anticancer, Antimicrobial, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Boswellia sacra Extracted Oil Nanoemulgel, researchers sought a way to address topical formulation challenges with the limited solubility and bioavailability of Boswellia sacra (B. sacra oil) from the frankincense tree. They developed a nanoemulsion of B. sacra oil incorporated into a hydrogel matrix delivery system to enhance the oil’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects.
The optimal formulation of the nanoemulsions was determined by evaluating the droplet size, polydispersity index and zeta potential of several different preparations. The specific formulation had a droplet size of 120nm with a polydispersity index of 0.211 +/- 0.08, as measured by the NanoBrook Omni light scattering instrument from Brookhaven Instruments. This preparation was selected because it had the smallest particle size and narrowest particle size distribution of the various formulations.
The study culminated in the insight that the researchers’ nanoemulgel demonstrated superior biological activities to those found in the pure oil and it demonstrated antibacterial and anticancer effects. It also demonstrated improved skin penetration through particle size and polydispersity control. The authors concluded, “Nanoemulgel is a promising delivery technique for improving several properties of pharmaceutical dosage forms.”
Brookhaven Instruments is proud to have played a small role in this research.
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