Quaternized Chitosan Thiol Hydrogel-Thickened Nanoemulsion: A Multifunctional Platform for Upgrading the Topical Applications of Virgin Olive Oil

Abstract

(1) Background: Virgin olive oil (VOO) has attracted the attention of many researchers due to its nutritional and medicinal values. However, VOO’s biological applications have been limited due to a lack of precise chemical profiling and approach to increase the physicochemical characteristics, bioactivity, and delivery of its bioactive components; (2) Methods: The current study intended to evaluate the chemical composition of VOO using the GC-MS technique and determine its major components. Furthermore, the effect of incorporating VOO into Tween 80-lecithin nanoemulsion (OONE) and a quaternized trimethyl chitosan-thiol (TMCT) hydrogel-thickened nanoemulsion system (OOHTN) on its physicochemical characteristics and biological potentials will be investigated; (3) Results: The VOO-based NEs’ physicochemical properties (particle size and zeta potential) were steady during storage for four weeks owing to the inclusion of the protective TMCT hydrogel network to OONE. Excessive fine-tuning of olive oil nanoemulsion (OONE) and the TMCT protective network’s persistent positive charge have contributed to the oil’s improved antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and antioxidant potentials; (4) Conclusions: The Tween 80-lecithin-TMCT nanosystem might provide a unique and multifunctional nanoplatform for efficient topical therapy as well as the transdermal delivery of lipophilic bioactive compounds.

Chitosan–Oxidized Pullulan Hydrogels Loaded with Essential Clove Oil: Synthesis, Characterization, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties

“…Also, CS hydrogels embedding a clove oil nanoemulsion were effective for transdermal delivery of 8-methoxsalen [28]. Hydrogels obtained by the oxidative cross-linking gelation of a quaternary thiol chitosan derivative demonstrated an improved stability for the primary olive oil nanoemulsion and enhanced antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and antioxidant properties of the oil after incorporation into the hydrogel [29].…”

Recent insights into Nanoemulsions: Their preparation, properties and applications

“…The miniature size of particles in nanoemulsions has many important consequences over other forms. Nanoemulsions help in maintaining the stability and increasing physicochemical properties ( Nasr et al, 2022 ). Nanoemulsions impart aqueous form to drugs making them water insoluble and increasing the bioavailability due to rapid digestion.…”

Formulation by Design of an Innovative Tea Tree Oil Nanoemulgel Incorporating Mupirocin for Enhanced Wound Healing Activity

“…NEs are homogeneous dispersions formed of both aqueous and oily phases dispersed together using an emulsifying agent [11]. The advantages of NEs are their stability, small droplets, and enhanced physicochemical properties [12]. NEs can be used as carriers for numerous drugs to provide anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antifungal, and antibacterial effects with wound healing activity [13][14][15].…”