Development and Evaluation of Tectona grandis Seed Extract-loaded Silver Nanoparticle Hydrogel for Treatment of Allergic Dermatitis

The present study focuses on developing and characterizing a novel hydrogel formulation incorporating silver nanoparticles synthesized using Tectona grandis seed extract for treating allergic dermatitis. The green synthesis approach utilized silver nitrate as a precursor with T. grandis seed extract serving as both reducing and capping agent. The synthesized T. grandis silver nanoparticles (TGAgNPs) were extensively characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, particle size analysis, and zeta potential measurements. The nanoparticles exhibited a characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 440 nm, spherical morphology with sizes ranging from 10-70 nm, and good stability with a zeta potential of -12.8 mV. Nine hydrogel formulations were prepared by incorporating 1% w/w TGAgNPs using Carbopol 934 as the gelling agent. The formulations were evaluated for physical parameters including pH, spreadability, washability, viscosity, and therapeutic efficacy. Formulation F1 demonstrated optimal characteristics with appropriate pH (7.63-8.03), good spreadability (9.6-10.9 g·cm/s), and viscosity (3340 cP). The hydrogel exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and effectively alleviated picryl chloride-induced allergic dermatitis in Albino Wistar mice within 7 days of treatment. This study establishes the potential of TGAgNPs-loaded hydrogel as a promising therapeutic option for managing allergic dermatitis while highlighting the benefits of green nanotechnology in pharmaceutical development