INFORM March 2025

20 • inform March 2025, Vol. 36 (3)

Linear (FA)

QTC

FA

Linear (QTC)

180 160 140 120 100

y = 18.166x + 20.45 R² = 0.8803

80 60 40 20 0

%CDR

y = 5.5057x + 4.7084 R² = 0.9822

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Time (Hours)

A plot of the time required for drug release from a gel containing free quercetin (blue) and one with free ferulic acid. Source: Vyas, et al. , JSD , 2025.

tained release minimizes the potential for irritation while maxi mizing patient comfort and compliance. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS This study’s findings pave the way for a paradigm shift in pso riasis management. By combining the therapeutic power of natural bio-actives with cutting-edge formulation technology, micro-emulgels address the limitations of existing treatments. They offer a safer, more effective alternative to synthetic corti costeroids and other systemic agents. The microemulsion formulations consist of varying con centrations of oil, Smix (Tween®80 and PG), and double dis tilled water. Ideal pharmaceutical parameters identify the optimal microemulsion batches that are then embedded in a hydrogel base composed of carbapol 940 and sodium alginate that is swollen overnight. After they form the micro-emulgel batches, the researcher test the samples for favorable physi cal properties, like viscosity, pH, spreadability and extrudabil ity. All three formulations—quercetin, ferulic acid and the two combined—possess good rheological properties which con tribute to their stability. The spreadability and extrudability of the formulations add to the ease of application which results in patient compliance. The diffusion studies conducted on these formulations followed the Franz diffusion method, which was followed by release kinetic studies. The zero order and Korsmeyer-Peppas model were found as the best-fit kinetic models. The zero-or der model curves have high correlation coefficients, indicative of the fact that diffusion from the micro-emulgel matrix is con centration independent. The Korsmeyer-Peppas model results

suggest the drug release by anomalous non–Fickian transport by diffusion from the polymer matrix, as well as erosion. While antimicrobial studies found all the formulations were effective against S. aureus with the combined quercetin and ferulic acid formula exhibiting the greatest potency. The study results support the suggestion that a quer cetin and ferulic acid micro-emulgel could be an effective, safer alternative to synthetic topical agents, with limited side effects. The microemulsion improves quercetin solubility by reducing interfacial tension using appropriate concentrations non-ionic surfactants and co-surfactants. The research team concludes that micro-emulgel formu lations loaded with quercetin and ferulic acid, bio-actives with antioxidant and autoinflammatory potential, could lead to bet ter psoriasis relief without adverse side effects. This innovative approach to psoriasis treatment exempli fies the potential of harnessing nature’s power through scientific ingenuity. As micro-emulgels move closer to clinical application, they promise to redefine the standards of care for chronic skin ailments, offering hope and relief to millions worldwide. This article is summary of a research paper published in the Journal of Surfactants and Detergent s titled, “Managing a chronic skin ailment with non-ionic surfactant based micro emulgel loaded with bio-actives: Formulation, characterization and biological evaluation.” To read the full paper, including citations, visit https://doi.org/10.1002/jsde.12829

Rebecca Guenard is the editor-in-chief of INFORM magazine. She can be contacted at rebecca.guenard@aocs.org