Controlled release of holy basil essential oil nanoemulsion encapsulated in gelatin/ carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel for wound care

Authors

• Shehbaz Ameer
• Pranut Potiyaraj
• Tu Minh Tran Vo

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

Holy basil essential oil (HBEO) is a therapeutic agent recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. However, its clinical use is limited by poor aqueous solubility, volatility, and instability. Nanoemulsion (NE) is an effective strategy to overcome these limitations. In this study, 1% HBEO in 0.5% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) aqueous solution formulation yielded nanosized droplets (182±3 nm, PDI = 0.286) and showed sustained release, with 92% drug release over 30 h, compared to the rapid release for 1% HBEO in pure water. To further enhance stability and biocompatibility, the HBEO nanoemulsion (HBEONE) was incorporated into a glutaraldehyde (GA) crosslinked gelatin/ carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrogel matrix. The resulting hydrogel exhibited a swelling ratio of 8 (g∙g‒1) and HBEO loading capacity of 67.5%. The cytotoxicity of HBEO/gelatin/CMC hydrogel was observed with less cytotoxicity compared to the natural release of HBEONE without a hydrogel matrix. These results demonstrate the HBEONE-loaded gelatin/CMC hydrogel as a robust platform for controlled release in drug delivery systems.

DOI

10.55713/jmmm.v36i2.2620

First Page

1

Last Page

10

Recommended Citation

Ameer, Shehbaz; Potiyaraj, Pranut; and Tran Vo, Tu Minh (2026) "Controlled release of holy basil essential oil nanoemulsion encapsulated in gelatin/ carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel for wound care," Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals: Vol. 36: No. 2, Article 11.
DOI: 10.55713/jmmm.v36i2.2620
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/jmmm/vol36/iss2/11