Potential of Topical Cosmeceuticals Cream Functionalized with Biogenic Metallic Nanostructured Material as Antibacterial Agents

Aims: In this study, the phytochemical analysis of Eucalyptus globulus leaf was analyzed and used in synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The silver nanoparticle incorporated antimicrobial cosmeceutical cream was developed and characterized for physicochemical parameters, antimicrobial properties, and biocompatibility was evaluated.

Methodology: E. globulus aqueous leaf extract was preliminary analyzed for the presence of phytochemical and confirmed using thin layer chromatography techniques. Further, a green synthesis of silver nanoparticle was accomplished using aqueous leaf extract of E. globulus. The formation of nanoparticles was confirmed and characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometer, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, X-ray diffractometer, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The nanoparticles were incorporated in cream and the antimicrobial property was evaluated using agar well diffusion method.

Results: The phyto-chemical evaluation of E. globulus aqueous leaf extract showed the presence of phenolic, tannins, saponnins, carbohydrate, and glycoside. Moreover, Eucalyptus globulus aqueous leaf extract exhibited antioxidant activity in a dose dependent manner. The surface plasmon resonance peak was 424 nm and functional group such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, alkyl halides, amines, carbonyl, amide groups, and phenolic compounds were present which was important for the bio-reduction, stabilization, and capping of the silver nitrate into nanoparticles. Energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis showed silver as the main element present and the nanoparticles were oval in shape and 19-60 nm in size with effective diameter of 90 nm. The test cream exhibited surface roughness of ≈ 30 nm, contact angle of ≈ 100, and surface energy of ≈88 mN/m. The formulated creams were consistent, with satisfactory pH, viscosity and spreadability.

Conclusion: The results demonstrated an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach to synthesis biogenic silver nanoparticles using aqueous extract of E. globulus. Eucalyptus globulus aqueous leaf extract stabilized and capped silver nanoparticles incorporated topical cream exhibited potent antimicrobial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.