Optimization and Characterization of Transethosomes Containing Salicylic Acid and Aloe Vera Gel Concentrate for Anti-Acne Activity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31351/vol35iss3pp56-67Keywords:
Acne vulgaris, Aloe vera, nanovesicle, salicylic acid, simplex lattice design, transethosomeAbstract
Transethosomes are novel nanovesicular carriers composed of phospholipids, ethanol, surfactants, and co-surfactants that facilitate drug penetration through the stratum corneum. Salicylic acid and Aloe vera are well-established anti-acne agents. Combining both in a transethosomal system is expected to enhance therapeutic efficacy against acne vulgaris. This study aimed to optimize a transethosomal gel containing salicylic acid and Aloe vera gel concentrate (KGLB) using a Simplex Lattice Design approach. KGLB was prepared by freeze-drying Aloe vera gel and subjected to phytochemical screening. Antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes (PA) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (SE) was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method. Optimization of the transethosomal base was performed by varying lecithin, ethanol (96%), Tween 80, and propylene glycol concentrations. Particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential were used as response variables. The optimized formulation containing salicylic acid and KGLB was further evaluated for morphology (TEM), chemical interactions (FTIR), physical characteristics, and stability. Phytochemical screening of KGLB revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, and steroids. The combination of 0.5% salicylic acid and 12.5% KGLB demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against PA and SE. Optimization yielded an ideal formulation containing 1.5% lecithin, 40% ethanol, 4% Tween 80, and 2% propylene glycol, with a desirability value of 0.868. The optimized transethosome exhibited a particle size of 145.87 nm, PDI of 26.5%, and zeta potential of −31.6 mV. TEM analysis confirmed spherical vesicles, while FTIR spectra indicated molecular interactions within the system. Physicochemical characterization showed a clear yellow solution with homogeneous consistency, pH 4.97, viscosity 6152 ± 942.5 cPs, particle size 48.96 ± 6.77 nm, PDI 23.17 ± 1.55%, and zeta potential 11.13 ± 6.85 mV. Stability testing over 12 weeks at 4 °C, 28 °C, and 40 °C demonstrated good physical stability. A transethosomal gel combining salicylic acid and Aloe vera gel concentrate was successfully developed and optimized, showing strong antibacterial activity, favorable physicochemical properties, and good stability, making it a promising candidate for topical anti-acne therapy.
How to Cite
Publication Dates
Received
Revised
Accepted
Published Online First
References
Dreno B, Amici JM, Demessant-Flavigny AL, Wright C, Taieb C, Desai SR, et al. The Impact of Acne, Atopic Dermatitis, Skin Toxicities and Scars on Quality of Life and the Importance of a Holistic Treatment Approach. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2021;Volume 14:623–32.
Heng AHS, Chew FT. Systematic review of the epidemiology of acne vulgaris. Sci Rep 2020;10(1):5754.
Arifin Saiboo A, Muhammad Yulianto Listiawan, Sari M, Indramaya DM, Murtiastutik D, Damayanti, et al. Profile of Mild Acne Vulgaris Patients at Tertiary Hospital at Surabaya, Indonesia. Berkala Ilmu Kesehatan Kulit dan Kelamin 2024;36(1):26–30.
Dréno B, Pécastaings S, Corvec S, Veraldi S, Khammari A, Roques C. Cutibacterium acnes (Propionibacterium acnes) and acne vulgaris: a brief look at the latest updates. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 2018;32(S2):5–14.
Chowdary P, Padmakumar A, Rengan AK. Exploring the potential of transethosomes in therapeutic delivery: A comprehensive review. MedComm – Biomaterials and Applications 2023;2(4).
Abd El-Alim SH, Kassem AA, Basha M, Salama A. Comparative study of liposomes, ethosomes and transfersomes as carriers for enhancing the transdermal delivery of diflunisal: In vitro and in vivo evaluation. Int J Pharm 2019;563:293–303.
Duangjit S, Mehr LM, Kumpugdee-Vollrath M, Ngawhirunpat T. Role of Simplex Lattice Statistical Design in the Formulation and Optimization of Microemulsions for Transdermal Delivery. Biol Pharm Bull 2014;37(12):1948–57.
Emanet M, Ciofani G. Ethosomes as Promising Transdermal Delivery Systems of Natural‐Derived Active Compounds. Adv Nanobiomed Res 2023;3(10).
Yuan M, Liu L, Ma X, Geng L, Wang X, Wu N, et al. Comprehensive analysis of salicylic acid-derivatized alginate: Synthesis, characterization, and anti-acne potential. Carbohydr Polym 2025;364:123776.
Sánchez M, González-Burgos E, Iglesias I, Gómez-Serranillos MP. Pharmacological Update Properties of Aloe Vera and its Major Active Constituents. Molecules 2020;25(6):1324.
Spoorthy N. B, Ayesha N. Bioactive constituents of the genus Aloe and their potential therapeutic and pharmacological applications: A review. J Appl Pharm Sci 2020;
Michener WK. Quantitatively Evaluating Restoration Experiments: Research Design, Statistical Analysis, and Data Management Considerations. Restor Ecol 1997;5(4):324–37.
Hayati R, Rahmawati M, Komariah I. Edible Coating Techniques and Glycerol Concentration in Gels Aloe Vera (Aloe vera) on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Sweet Corn (Zea mays subsp. saccharata L.). Jurnal Agroqua: Media Informasi Agronomi dan Budidaya Perairan 2023;21(1):118.
Minjares-Fuentes R, Femenia A, Comas-Serra F, Rosselló C, Rodríguez-González VM, González-Laredo RF, et al. Effect of different drying procedures on physicochemical properties and flow behavior of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) gel. LWT 2016;74:378–86.
M. Abdulbaqi I, Darwis Y, Abdul Karim Khan N, Abou Assi R, Ali Khan A. Ethosomal nanocarriers: the impact of constituents and formulation techniques on ethosomal properties, in vivo studies, and clinical trials. Int J Nanomedicine 2016;2279.
Munir M, Zaman M, Waqar MA, Hameed H, Riaz T. A comprehensive review on transethosomes as a novel vesicular approach for drug delivery through transdermal route. J Liposome Res 2024;34(1):203–18.
Mohanty D, Mounika A, Bakshi V, Akiful Haque M, Keshari Sahoo C. Ethosomes: A Novel Approach For Transdermal Drug Delivery. Int J Chemtech Res 2018;11(8):219–26.
Zargarnezhad S, Gholami A, Khoshneviszadeh M, Abootalebi SN, Ghasemi Y. Antimicrobial Activity of Isoniazid in Conjugation with Surface-Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Nonmycobacterial Microorganisms. J Nanomater 2020;2020:1–9.
Abdulbaqi IM, Darwis Y, Abou Assi R, Abdul Karim Khan N. Transethosomal gels as carriers for the transdermal delivery of colchicine: statistical optimization, characterization, and ex vivo evaluation. Drug Des Devel Ther 2018;Volume 12:795–813.
Krokida M, Pappa A, Agalioti M. Effect of drying on Aloe’s functional components. Procedia Food Sci 2011;1:1523–7.
Khandagale PM, Bhairav B, Saudagar RB. Lyophilization Technique: A Review. Asian Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Science 2016;6(4):269.
Timilsena YP, Phosanam A, Stockmann R. Perspectives on Saponins: Food Functionality and Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2023;24(17).
Rai S, Acharya-Siwakoti E, Kafle A, Devkota HP, Bhattarai A. Plant-Derived Saponins: A Review of Their Surfactant Properties and Applications. Sci 2021;3(4):44.
Zhou Y, He YJ, Wang ZJ, Hu BY, Xie TZ, Xiao X, et al. A review of plant characteristics, phytochemistry and bioactivities of the genus Glechoma. J Ethnopharmacol 2021;271:113830.
Sawhney S, Singh R. Introductory Practical Biochemistry. Harrow, UK: Alpha Science International Ltd; 2022.
Godlewska K, Pacyga P, Najda A, Michalak I. Investigation of Chemical Constituents and Antioxidant Activity of Biologically Active Plant-Derived Natural Products. Molecules 2023;28(14).
Song X, Li R, Zhang Q, He S, Wang Y. Antibacterial Effect and Possible Mechanism of Salicylic Acid Microcapsules against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022;19(19):12761.
Fani M, Kohanteb J. Inhibitory activity of Aloe vera gel on some clinically isolated cariogenic and periodontopathic bacteria. J Oral Sci 2012;54(1):15–21.
Kirkwood Z, Millar B, Downey D, Moore J. Antimicrobial effect of dimethyl sulfoxide and N, N-Dimethylformamide on Mycobacterium abscessus: Implications for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Int J Mycobacteriol 2018;7(2):134.
Ditre, Kristen Whitney, Ditre, Kristen Whitney. Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Clindamycin: A Review of Its Use in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris. Clinical Medicine Insights: Dermatology 2011;27.
Szpisják-Gulyás N, Al-Tayawi AN, Horváth ZsH, László Zs, Kertész Sz, Hodúr C. Methods for experimental design, central composite design and the Box–Behnken design, to optimise operational parameters: A review. Acta Aliment 2023;52(4):521–37.
Dhaval M, Panjwani M, Parmar R, Soniwala MM, Dudhat K, Chavda J. Application of Simple Lattice Design and Desirability Function for Formulating and Optimizing SMEDDS of Clofazimine. J Pharm Innov 2021;16(3):504–15.
Fadaei MS, Fadaei MR, Kheirieh AE, Rahmanian-Devin P, Dabbaghi MM, Nazari Tavallaei K, et al. Niosome as a promising tool for increasing the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory compounds. EXCLI J 2024;23:212–63.
Priya S, Koland M, Suchetha KN. Nanoemulsion Components Screening Of Quetiapine Fumarate: Effect Of Surfactant And Co Surfactant. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research 2015;8(6):136–40.
Silva HD, Cerqueira MA, Souza BWS, Ribeiro C, Avides MC, Quintas MAC, et al. Nanoemulsions of β-carotene using a high-energy emulsification–evaporation technique. J Food Eng 2011;102(2):130–5.
Malenica M, Vukomanović M, Kurtjak M, Masciotti V, dal Zilio S, Greco S, et al. Perspectives of Microscopy Methods for Morphology Characterisation of Extracellular Vesicles from Human Biofluids. Biomedicines 2021;9(6):603.
Richard C, Cassel S, Blanzat M. Vesicular systems for dermal and transdermal drug delivery. RSC Adv 2021;11(1):442–51.
Nandiyanto A, Oktiani R, Ragadhita R. How to Read and Interpret FTIR Spectroscope of Organic Material. Indonesian Journal of Science & Technology 2019;4(1):97–118.
Lukić M, Pantelić I, Savić SD. Towards Optimal pH of the Skin and Topical Formulations: From the Current State of the Art to Tailored Products. Cosmetics 2021;8(3):69.
Danaei M, Dehghankhold M, Ataei S, Hasanzadeh Davarani F, Javanmard R, Dokhani A, et al. Impact of Particle Size and Polydispersity Index on the Clinical Applications of Lipidic Nanocarrier Systems. Pharmaceutics 2018;10(2):57.
Murdock RC, Braydich-Stolle L, Schrand AM, Schlager JJ, Hussain SM. Characterization of Nanomaterial Dispersion in Solution Prior to In Vitro Exposure Using Dynamic Light Scattering Technique. Toxicological Sciences 2008;101(2):239–53.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
Categories
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Iraqi Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
