Author(s):
Manasi M, Senthil Rethinam
Email(s):
senthilbiop@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00443 
Address:
Manasi M1, Senthil Rethinam2*
1BDS II-Year, Nano-Bioproduct Research Lab (NBRL), Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai - 600077, Tamilnadu, India.
2Associate Professor, Nano-Bioproduct Research Lab (NBRL), Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai - 600077, Tamilnadu, India.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 19,
Issue - 7,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
The rising demand for biocompatible and eco-friendly drug delivery systems has led to the exploration of natural polymers and herbal therapeutics. In this study, a cellulose-based gel incorporating Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) extract was developed for oral and dermal drug delivery applications. Cellulose, isolated from recycled paper pulp, served as the gel matrix due to its mucoadhesive and biodegradable properties. Tulsi extract, known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, was incorporated to enhance therapeutic efficacy. FTIR analysis confirmed successful integration, showing characteristic O–H and C=C stretches with no signs of degradation or incompatibility. HRSEM analysis revealed a uniformly porous structure with pore sizes ranging from 10 to 50 µm, supporting controlled release. In vitro drug release studies using Franz diffusion cells demonstrated a biphasic release profile, with an initial burst of ~40% within 10hours, followed by sustained release reaching 90–95% over 30h, fitting the Higuchi model (R²>0.98). The gel exhibited favorable physicochemical properties, including a pH of 6.8±0.2, viscosity of 2,300±50 cP, and excellent mucoadhesive strength of 28.5±1.2g/cm². Antibacterial activity was confirmed via well diffusion assays, with inhibition zones of 17.45mm (E. coli) and 25.67mm (S. aureus), comparable to standard chlorhexidine gel.
Cite this article:
Manasi M, Senthil Rethinam. Formulation and Characterization of Cellulose-based Oral and Dermal Gels for Drug Delivery. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(7):3121-6. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00443
Cite(Electronic):
Manasi M, Senthil Rethinam. Formulation and Characterization of Cellulose-based Oral and Dermal Gels for Drug Delivery. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(7):3121-6. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00443 Available on: https://rjptonline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-19-7-30
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