Formulation and Evaluation of Emulgel Containing Papaya Extract as Antibacterial Agent

The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate emulgel preparations containing papaya (Carica papaya L.) leaf extract as an antibacterial agent. Emulgels offer a dual advantage by combining the properties of both emulsions and gels, resulting in superior skin penetration and extended drug residence time. Three formulations (F1, F2, F3) were prepared with varying concentrations of papaya extract (5%, 10%, and 15% w/w) using Carbopol 940 as the gelling agent and a combination of Span 80 and Tween 80 as emulsifiers. The prepared emulgels were evaluated for physicochemical parameters including pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity, and stability. Antibacterial activity was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) using the agar well diffusion method. In vitro drug release was studied using Franz diffusion cells. All formulations demonstrated acceptable pH values (6.71–6.85) and viscosities (6,500–9,400 cP) suitable for topical application. Formulation F3 (15% extract) exhibited the highest zone of inhibition of 23.1 mm against S. aureus and 21.4 mm against E. coli, and the highest cumulative drug release of 94% at 8 hours. The emulgels remained stable over 90 days of storage under accelerated conditions (40°C/75% RH). These results demonstrate that papaya extract emulgel is a promising topical antibacterial formulation with potential for clinical application in the management of skin infections.