Formulation And Characterization Of Silver Nanoparticles Incorporated Gel Of Ethanolic Extract Of Celastrus Orbiculatus For Effective Antimicrobial Effect

Abstract

The present study focuses on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the ethanolic extract of Celastrus orbiculatus and their incorporation into hydrogel formulations for enhanced topical antimicrobial activity. Various nanoparticle formulations (F1–F9) were evaluated for percentage yield, entrapment efficiency, and particle size, with formulation F2 identified as the optimized batch. Characterization using FTIR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and SEM confirmed successful nanoparticle synthesis and morphology. The optimized AgNPs were incorporated into hydrogel formulations (G1–G6), with G3 selected as the optimal gel based on its physicochemical properties, including high drug content (4.05 ± 0.25 mg/100 mg), appropriate pH, viscosity, spreadability, and extrudability. In-vitro drug release from G3 followed a diffusion-controlled mechanism (Higuchi model, r² = 0.9779). Antimicrobial studies revealed that the AgNP-loaded gel (G3) showed significantly greater zones of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae compared to the crude extract. These results highlight the potential of green-synthesized AgNP hydrogels as effective topical antimicrobial agents.