DEVELOPMENT AND ANALYSIS OF GALLIC ACID-INFUSED MICROCOMPOSITE GEL

Objective: This study was to create and describe gallic acid-loaded microcomposite gels using a chitosan-alginate matrix system. The goal was to improve wound healing by improving drug delivery and controlled release. Methods: We prepared microcomposite gels containing gallic acid using the ionic gelation method with varying drug amounts [0.5–2.0% w/w]. We formulated four different gallic acid microcomposite gels [GA-MCG-1 to GA-MCG-4] with 2% w/v chitosan, 1.5% w/v sodium alginate, and 2% w/v calcium chloride as the cross-linking agent. Comprehensive characterization was conducted using UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR analysis, particle size analysis, zeta potential measurements, rheological studies, and in vitro drug release studies with Franz diffusion cells. Results: All formulations successfully encapsulated gallic acid, with particle sizes ranging from 198.4 to 287.3 nm and zeta potentials above+25 mV, indicating stable colloids. The optimized formulation, gallic acid microcomposite gel [GA-MCG-3 [1.5% gallic acid]], performed better than the others. It had a particle size of 245.6±12.4 nm, a zeta potential of+28.7±2.1 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 89.4±3.2%. FTIR analysis showed that hydrogen bonding helped encapsulate the substance without any chemical issues. All formulations had a skin-safe pH [6.2–6.5] and exhibited pseudoplastic rheology, making them easy to spread. In vitro drug release studies displayed biphasic patterns, with gallic acid microcomposite gel [GA-MCG-3] showing the best sustained release [78.2% over 24 h] following Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetics, indicating non-Fickian drug diffusion. Conclusion: The newly developed microcomposite gel system with gallic acid demonstrates significant potential for enhancing wound healing. The optimized formulation, gallic acid microcomposite gel [GA-MCG-3], exhibits excellent physical and chemical properties, controlled drug release, and a stable profile, making it a suitable choice for topical wound healing therapy. Further in vivo and clinical studies are necessary to confirm its effectiveness.