Biocompatible Thermoresponsive Gels Enriched with Rosemary Essential Oil for Advanced Antimicrobial and Drug Delivery Applications

Abstract

This work explores the creation of biocompatible thermoresponsive gels that are enhanced with poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) microparticles containing rosemary essential oil (RoEO). The goal is to improve drug delivery systems and antibacterial capabilities. A solution to the problems caused by essential oil volatility and degradation was found by incorporating RoEO, a naturally occurring bioactive chemical with strong antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities, inside PLGA microparticles. This allowed for its controlled release. Topical medication administration is useful for wound healing and infection treatment due to the thermoresponsive nature of the gel formulations, which allow in situ gelation at physiological temperatures. The RoEO-PLGA gels were tested for their antimicrobial properties against several microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Most notably, they demonstrated significant inhibition against C. albicans, suggesting that they might have antifungal uses. The formulations were determined to be stable and suitable for use as controlled release systems by rheological and thermal tests. Integrating the medicinal potential of essential oils with biodegradable polymers, the work offers a viable method to building effective and patient-friendly drug delivery platforms. Evaluating the efficacy of these systems in in vivo models and improving their clinical performance should be the primary goals of future research.