DESIGN AND STATISTICAL OPTIMIZATION OF QUERCETIN NANOEMULGEL USING PSEUDO-TERNARY PHASE DIAGRAM AND FACTORIAL DESIGN APPROACH FOR ENHANCED TOPICAL ACNE THERAPY

Abstract

Objective: In order to increase quercetin's solubility, skin penetration, stability, and therapeutic efficacy, the current study developed and optimized a quercetin-loaded nanoemulgel for topical anti-acne therapy. Method:  Solubility studies were conducted in order to select suitable formulation components. Oleic acid was selected as the oil phase, Tween 80 as the surfactant, and Transcutol P as the co-surfactant based on maximum solubility and emulsification efficiency. Using different Smix ratios, pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were made in order to calculate the nanoemulsion area. Oil concentration and Smix concentration were employed as independent variables in a 3² full factorial design for optimization, while droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential were selected as dependent responses. The improved nanoemulsion was combined with Carbopol 934 gel to generate nanoemulgel, which was subsequently evaluated. Result: The enhanced formulation (F5) showed exceptional transparency, homogeneity, and stability despite a droplet size of 95 nm, PDI of 0.21, and zeta potential of −28 mV. Effective drug integration was demonstrated by the discovery of a 99.2% drug content. Thermodynamic stability investigations showed no evidence of phase separation, creaming, or precipitation. TEM analysis revealed that the nano-sized droplets were uniformly distributed and spherical. The enhanced nanoemulgel demonstrated suitable pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity, and extrudability for topical application. Statistical study and the response surface approach confirmed the significant influence of oil and Smix concentration on formulation properties. Conclusion: Thequercetin nanoemulgel demonstrated superior stability, enhanced physicochemical qualities, and qualities appropriate for topical anti-acne administration.