Topical cellulose nanocrystals-stabilized nanoemulgel loaded with ciprofloxacin HCl with enhanced antibacterial activity and tissue regenerative properties

Spray-dried cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were investigated as a potential stabilizer for the preparation of nanoemulsion gels (nanoemulgels) loaded with ciprofloxacin hydrochloride to act as dual-role gels capable of stimulating the tissue regeneration as well as inhibition of microbial growth.

Highlights

Ciprofloxacin (CPX) has neurological toxicity requiring a localized formulation.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) acted as potential stabilizer for nanoemulgels (NEGs).

NEGs are nanoemulsions with semi-solid consistency.

CPX-loaded NEGs showed enhanced antibacterial activity and tissue regeneration effect.

CPX-loaded NEGs stabilized by CNC offered a safe, simple treatment for injured skin care.

The selected nanoemulgel (NEG/2) which was composed of 10 % w/w linoleic acid and 4 % w/w CNC had a particle size of 203.2 nm, drug content of 95.5%, zeta potential of -31.1 mV and polydispersity index of 0.34. Comparing the in-vitro drug release results, NEG/2 attained the highest percentage release efficiency with the most sustained behavior (release rate = 18.9 %/h). The selected nanoemulgel possessed a thixotropic, shear thinning behavior favorable for dermal preparations.

Results also revealed that NEG/2 showed improved antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria in addition to improved cytocompatibility and cell regenerative characters on human dermal fibroblasts. In conclusion, the proposed formulation offered a safe, biocompatible and promising approach for injured skin care.

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Article information: Rabab Kamel, Nahla A. El-Wakil, AbdelFattah A. Abdelkhalek, Nermeen A. Elkasabgy. Topical cellulose nanocrystals-stabilized nanoemulgel loaded with ciprofloxacin HCl with enhanced antibacterial activity and tissue regenerative properties. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102553.