The use of an appropriate oleogelator in the structuring of vegetable oil is a crucial point of consideration. Sunflower wax (SFW) is used as an oleogelator and displays an excellent potential to bind vegetable oils. The current study aimed to look for the effects of hydrophobic (SPAN-80) and hydrophilic (TWEEN-80) emulsifiers on the oleogels prepared using SFW and sunflower oil (SO). The biodegradability and all formulations showed globular crystals on their surface that varied in size and number. Wax ester, being the most abundant component of SFW, was found to produce fibrous and needle-like entanglements capable of binding more than 99% of SO. The formulations containing 3 mg of liquid emulsifiers in 20 g of oleogels showed better mechanical properties such as spreadability and lower firmness than the other tested concentrations. Although the FTIR spectra of all the formulations were similar, which indicated not much variation in the molecular interactions, XRD diffractograms confirmed the presence of β′ form of fat crystals. Further, the mentioned formulations also showed larger average crystallite sizes, which was supported by slow gelation kinetics. A characteristic melting point (Tm~60 °C) of triglyceride was visualized through DSC thermograms. However, a higher melting point in the case of few formulations suggests the possibility of even a stable β polymorph. The formed oleogels indicated the significant contribution of diffusion for curcumin release. Altogether, the use of SFW and SO oleogels with modified properties using biodegradable emulsifiers can be beneficial in replacing saturated fats and fat-derived products.
Oleogels (OGs) have gained a lot of interest as a delivery
system
for a variety of pharmaceuticals. The current study explains the development
of jasmine floral wax (JFW) and wheat germ oil (WGO)-based OGs for
oral drug (curcumin) delivery application. The OGs were made by dissolving
JFW in WGO at 70 °C and cooling it to room temperature (25 °C).
The critical gelation concentration of JFW that induces the gelation
of WGO was found to be 10% (w/w). The OGs were characterized using
various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
(FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), microscopic analysis, and mechanical
test. XRD data indicated that JFW influences the crystallinity of
the OGs. Among the prepared OGs, OG 17.5 showed higher crystallization
in the series. Optical microscopic studies demonstrated the formation
of fiber structures due to the entanglement of crystals whereas, polarized
light micrographs suggested the formation of spherulites or clustered
crystallite structures. The mechanical properties of the OGs increased
linearly with the increase in the JFW concentration. Curcumin-loaded
OGs were examined for their controlled release applications. In summary,
the developed OGs were found to have the necessary features for modulating
the oral delivery of curcumin.
Onychomycosis is an infection caused by a fungus that causes discoloration and thickening of the nail layer, and it is the most common nail infection in the world. Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. interdigital is the most common anthropophilic dermatophytes that trigger it. Onychomycosis is caused by yeasts such as Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis, as well as moulds such as Aspergillus spp. Treatment is determined by the type of nail invasion, the fungus genus, and the number of nails affected. Approaches towards conventional methods showed certain drawbacks which emphasizes the need for alternate approaches to produce better therapeutic efficacy of a product. The present review focused on reporting an updated classification of Onchyomycosis, causative organisms, factors influencing drug permeation, novel treatment strategies for Onychomycosis, drug permeation enhancement methods.
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