Potential antimicrobial activity, antioxidant, and anti-wrinkle effects of Linum usitatissimum oil nanoemulgel

Background Linum usitatissimum ( L. usitatissimum ) seeds have been reported to have several biological efficacies, such as antioxidant, anti-aging, sun protection, and antimicrobial actions. The present study aimed to develop L. usitatissimum oil nanoemulgel and evaluate its cosmeceutical and antimicrobial characteristics for use in topical applications. Method L. usitatissimum oil nanoemulgel formulations were prepared by optimizing the non-ionic surfactant (Tween® 20, Tween® 80, and Span® 80) using a self-nanoemulsifying technique, followed by the addition of Carbopol®. The droplet size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and rheological behavior of the emulgel formulations were measured. In addition, the antioxidant activity, elastase inhibition activity, sun protection factor (SPF), and antimicrobial properties were evaluated. Results The prepared nanoemulgel had a homogenous appearance and a smooth, creamy texture and was found to have good spreadability and an acceptable adhesion to the skin. Tween® 80 gave the optimum nanoemulgel formulation, which had a droplet size of less than 200 nm. The crude L. usitatissimum seed oil was found to possess strong intrinsic antioxidant activity (IC 50 : 3.15 ± 0.46 µg/ml) when compared to trolox (IC 50 : 2.21 ± 0.23 µg/ml) and elastase inhibition activity (IC 50 : 17.3 ± 0.5 µg/ml) when compared with oleanolic acid (IC 50 : 10.2 ± 0.3 µg/ml), and a sun protection factor (SPF) of 5.87, suggesting significant potential anti-wrinkle and photoprotective properties. When incorporated into the optimized nanoemulgel formulation, the system showed considerably higher antimicrobial activity against S. aureus , MRSA, and C. albicans than the crude oil (p < 0.05). No antibacterial activity was found against E. coli , E. faecium, or S. sonnei . Conclusion In conclusion, a novel L. usitatissimum oil nanoemulgel was prepared that shows promise for pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical applications.