Microsponges Enriched Gel for Enhanced Anti-microbial Potential of Shikalkin: Development and Characterization

Modern science has gone a long way in elucidating the beguiling properties attributed to the roots of Arnebia nobilis (Boraginaceae) containing Shikalkin (SHK). This compound holds promise as a powerful anti-microbial agent, addressing the persistent problem of microbial resistance stemming from imprudent use of antibiotics. However, the effectiveness of SHK is hindered by its photostability and poor aqueous solubility, limiting its use in pharmaceutical applications. This study aims to overcome these challenges by developing a microsponge based topical gel containing SHK, after its successful extraction from roots of Arnebia nobilis. The encapsulation of SHK within the core of microsponges was confirmed through various techniques viz. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), UV spectrophotometry, Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) analysis, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The optimized SHK microsponge-based gel exhibited good thixotropic and texture properties. In-vitro anti-microbial studies conducted on prevalent pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans warrants expediting its use in treating several kinds of microbial infections whilst imparting photostability to the encapsulated SHK.