Characterization and optimization of clove oil-loaded nanomicelles for the possible topical use of bacterial infection-led atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Abstract Background Atopic dermatitis is an abnormal skin condition that impacts a significant number of people in the US, with an estimated 9.6 million children and 16.5 million adults being affected by it. The study aimed to characterize and optimize clove oil-based nanomicelles for the possible topical use of bacterial infection-led atopic dermatitis. Clove oil-loaded nanomicelles were produced and carefully analyzed for vesicle diameter, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, morphological attributes, entrapment efficiency, in vitro release, stability, dermatokinetic parameters, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging behavior and antibacterial activity. Different models, such as Korsmeyer, Higuchi, first order, and zero order were employed to evaluate the in vitro release from the formulations. Results The average size of the clove oil nanomicelles was found to be 100.15 nm with a PDI of 0.2104; they were observed to be darker against a light background. The evaluated mean zeta size was 121.3 nm, the zeta potential was − 15.31 mV. The inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) of the formulation was 61.32 ± 0.98 μg/mL; clove oil was 73.56 ± 1.63 μg/mL, against ascorbic acid was 54.51 ± 0.79 μg/mL. Among the four models tested for in vitro release kinetics, the Korsmeyer Peppas model was followed by the nanomicelles formulation. Clove oil nanomicelles generated a higher concentration of 148.68 w/v on the skin epidermis within 1.5 h, whereas the conventional formulation exhibited 55.287 w/v. Moreover, clove oil nanomicelles generated a higher concentration of 125.84 µg/mL on the skin's dermis within 2 h, whereas the conventional formulation produced 68.263 µg/mL. The nanomicelles also inhibited bacterial growth within a 24-h period. Conclusions The study presents initial evidence regarding the potency of clove oil-based nanomicelles and their enhanced efficiency on the skin. Thus, the prepared formulation can further be studied and incorporated for the possible use against bacterial infection-led atopic dermatitis. Graphical abstract

Keywords

• Clove oil
• Atopic dermatitis
• Syzygium aromaticum
• Nanomicelles