Current Physical Chemistry - Online First
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Design and Development of Thujone Oil-Based Micro-emulgel for Bacterial Skin Infections Using Quality Design Approach
Authors: Kavita Bahmani, Twinkle Chadda, Shweta Sehrawat, Praveen Nasa, Shiva Tushir and Sunita DeviAvailable online: 10 March 2026More LessObjectiveThe objective of the study was to develop, create, and optimize a micro-emulgel based on thujone oil for the treatment of psoriasis and bacterial skin infections. Using a Quality by Design (QbD) methodology, the objective was to improve topical drug administration by increasing spreadability, pH stability, and viscosity.
MethodsA micro-emulgel was developed using thujone oil, liquid paraffin, Tween 80, Span 80, and Carbopol-934 as the gelling agent. The central composite design (CCD) was employed to optimize three independent formulation variables —oil concentration (4-12%), surfactant concentration (1.5–2.5%), and gelling agent concentration (1.5-2.0%) —with respect to three key responses—pH, viscosity, and spreadability. The optimized formulation (F2) was further evaluated for particle size, in vitro drug release, antimicrobial activity, and various physicochemical parameters. Analytical characterization was performed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to confirm compatibility and identify the major constituents of thujone oil.
ResultsThe more effective formulation (F2) has a spreadability of 7.98 g·cm/s, a pH of 6.76, and a viscosity of 4023 cps. A mean droplet diameter of 6.7 µm, which indicates micro-range globules, has been confirmed by particle size analysis. According to zero-order and Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetics, in vitro release tests demonstrated 60% drug release in 7 hours (R2 = 0.99). A zone of inhibition of 18.8 mm against E. coli was shown by antimicrobial assessment, which was similar to that of conventional medications. The existence of important bioactive substances, such as copaene, cedrol, and thujopsene, was verified by GC-MS analysis.
DiscussionA thujone oil-based micro-emulgel with advantageous physicochemical characteristics, prolonged drug release, and significant antibacterial action was developed and refined during this study. As a topical therapy for skin infections, the improved formulation (F2) proved to be effective. The possible use of thujone oil micro-emulgels in dermatological treatment is supported by this study.
ConclusionThe outcomes demonstrate that thujone oil-based microemulgel may deliver topical drugs in a stable, effective, and controlled manner. By effectively optimizing formulation parameters, the CCD method ensured the required spreadability, viscosity, and pH. Drug release was improved by smaller particle sizes, and antimicrobial testing revealed potent antibacterial action. The results demonstrate thujone oil's potential as a natural treatment for psoriasis and bacterial skin infections. However, a direct comparative assessment with simple emulsion and gel formulations was not performed and will be included in future studies to further substantiate the advantages of the micro-emulgel system.
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Methylene Blue Cationic Dyes Adsorptively Removed Using Polyaniline Doped with Tannic Acid
Authors: Meena, Monika Duhan and ArpnaAvailable online: 18 December 2025More LessIntroductionThis paper describes the adsorption efficiency of tannic acid-doped polyaniline (TPAni) to remove methylene blue (Mb) dye from its water-based solution. Ammonium persulfate (APS) was used as an oxidant in the polymerization process to prepare TPAni. Tannic acid-doped polyaniline was characterized using FTIR, FE-SEM, TEM, BET, and ZETA potential conductivity techniques.
MethodsThe Langmuir capacity isotherm was found to be 42.3 mg/g. Additionally, the effects of temperature, pH, contact time, and initial concentration of Mb were examined and optimized to 35°C, 8.50 minutes, 8 mg/L, respectively.
ResultsTemperature affects the Gibbs free energy, which is -3.356, -3.562, and -3.615 kJ/mol at 290, 300, and 305 K, respectively.
DiscussionThis shift in Gibbs's free energy implies that tannic acid-doped polyaniline has the ability to spontaneously and practically remove methylene blue dye. The measured change in enthalpy of 1.13 kJ/mol indicated the presence of physical contact between the adsorbent and the dye molecules.
ConclusionIt can be concluded from this study that the heterogeneous surface of TPAni was involved in the adsorptive elimination of the Mb and that a multilayer formed during the adsorption experiment. The study also examined the impacts of several parameters: contact time, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dose, and pH of the solution. The optimum values of these parameters were found to be 50 minutes, 8 mgL−1, 0.004 g, and 8, respectively. The effect of temperature was also investigated, and found that higher adsorption occurs at high temperature. It is clear from this study that tannic acid-doped polyaniline (TPAni) with a greater number of negative sites on its surface is a very useful and new adsorbent for removing cationic dyes from wastewater.
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Literature on Starch Nanoparticles Used in Drug Delivery Systems: A Review
Authors: Kavita Bahmani, Nisham Rani, Jyoti Malik, Meena Devi, Shiva Tushir, Yash Soni and Sunita DeviAvailable online: 06 October 2025More LessParticle size has become a more prominent topic in multidisciplinary research in recent years, which aids in examining the relationship between the microscopic and macroscopic characteristics of different materials. Generally, acid/enzymatic hydrolysis, gamma irradiation, simple nanoprecipitation, ultra-sonication, and homogenization treatments are used to create starch nanoparticles. After starch is converted into nanoparticles, various features are impacted, including size distribution, morphological, rheological, and amylose content. It has been shown that starch nanoparticles are superior to natural starches; therefore, they have a wide range of applications as fillers, binding agents, and texture modifiers in various food products, as well as in the production of biocomposite films with improved barrier properties. The principal applications for starch nanoparticles include medication administration, nanoemulsions, and nano-starch-based composite films. There is a dearth of research on the effects of starch nanoparticle production on different native starch characteristics. In order to maximize the use of starch nanoparticles in food and non-food applications, this study thoroughly reviews all factors pertaining to different starch characteristics and their nanoparticles. Particular attention is paid to the abstract review of the literature on starch, which gives a clear idea of the relevance of this study.
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Recent Innovations in Gelling Agents and Topical Gel Formulations for Psoriasis Treatment: A Patent Review
Authors: Kavita Bahmani, Nisham Rani, Praveen Nasa and Sunita DeviAvailable online: 24 March 2025More LessPsoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, is caused by an accelerated rate of skin cell turnover, leading to plaques, scaling, and inflammation. Commonly used conventional treatments for these symptoms include topical corticosteroids and vitamin D analogues. However, recent developments in gelling agents and topical gel formulations have significantly improved therapeutic outcomes, enhancing medicine administration and patient satisfaction. This patent study aims to analyze and gather the latest advancements in the production of topical gel formulations and gelling agents specifically designed to treat psoriasis. In addition to highlighting the innovative gel-based delivery systems' effectiveness and safety, this review also emphasizes how they improve patient adherence, convenience, and general quality of life. By looking at these developments, this review sheds light on how topical gel formulations and gelling agents are set to revolutionize psoriasis treatment in the future.
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