FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF MORINGA OLEIFERA SEED OIL NANOGEL

Nanogels are nanoscale polymeric gel systems that combine the properties of conventional gels with the advantages of nanotechnology-based drug delivery. The present study was designed to formulate and evaluate a nanogel containing Moringa oleifera seed oil for potential topical use. Moringa oleifera seed oil was selected as the oil phase due to its reported nutritional and pharmacological benefits. The nanogel was developed by preparing an oil-in-water nanoemulsion using the oil phase, Tween 80 as a surfactant, and an aqueous phase, followed by incorporation of the nanoemulsion into a suitable gel base. Various formulations were prepared using different concentrations of Moringa oleifera seed oil and Tween 80 to obtain an optimized formulation. The formulations were evaluated for appearance, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, oil content, and in-vitro release characteristics. The optimized formulation was subsequently subjected to stability studies. The developed nanogel is expected to exhibit satisfactory physical characteristics, uniformity, good spreadability, and nanoscale particle properties. Therefore, Moringa oleifera seed oil-loaded nanogel may offer a convenient and promising approach for topical delivery and improved utilization of the beneficial properties of the natural oil.