Natural active-based NLC hydrogels combining pomegranate oil and Sedum telephium polysaccharides for pediatric burn management

Pediatric burns require early intervention to control infection, promote healing, and ensure adequate hydration. Currently, no formulations are specifically designed for children. In this study a natural hydrogel based on pomegranate oil—an active antimicrobial and antioxidant lipid —and polysaccharides extracted from Sedum telephium with wound-healing and co-gelifying properties, was developed. Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) were employed to incorporate the lipophilic oil into the hydrophilic polysaccharide matrix. Several solid lipids were examined via visual inspection, DSC, and XRD to evaluate solid-state properties and miscibility with liquid lipid; Dynasan 118 was selected for its ability to maximize oil loading and stability. NLCs were prepared using high-shear homogenization and probe sonication, achieving mean particle size ~150 nm and PDI ≤ 0.3. Sedum polysaccharides were extracted via hot decoction (yield 17%) and characterized by 1H NMR, UV-Vis, and DLS. The optimized NLC dispersion was incorporated into xanthan-based hydrogels (2.5–5% polysaccharides), displaying pH 5.2–5.5, suitable viscosity, spreadability, adhesion, and syringeability for painless pediatric application. Stability studies were performed on NLC and hydrogel over three months. The developed hydrogel has proven to be a promising, biocompatible, antibiotic-free system for early pediatric burn management, combining effective oil delivery with favorable rheological and application properties.