Abstract
Background/Objectives: Dermatitis is frequently treated with dexamethasone cutaneous application, which causes adverse effects mainly when it is chronically administered. Sesamol is a phytochemical compound known for its anti-inflammatory activity and low toxicity. Therefore, this study reports the optimization of a guar gum hydrogel with enhanced physicochemical and microbiological stability, providing an effective dosage form for topical application of sesamol nanocapsules to treat irritant contact dermatitis. Methods: Nano-based hydrogel containing 1 mg/g sesamol was prepared by adding the nanocapsule suspension to form a 2.5% (w/v) guar gum dispersion. Dynamic rheological analysis indicates that the formulations exhibit a non-Newtonian flow with pseudoplastic behavior. Hydrogels were evaluated by Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and, following spectrum acquisition, an unsupervised chemometrics model was developed to identify crucial variables. Additionally, the physicochemical and microbiological stability of the hydrogel was evaluated over a 60-day period. Results: ATR-FTIR spectra of all hydrogels evaluated are very similar after preparation and 60 days of storage. However, it showed a slight increase in average diameter and PDI and decreased pH values after 60 days. Microbiological assessment demonstrated that the hydrogel met the requirements for the microbial count over 60 days. The dermatitis model was induced by repeated applications of croton oil in the right ears of mice. The effectiveness of the hydrogels was evaluated by assessing ear edema and migration of polymorphonuclear cells. The nano-based hydrogel exhibited anti-inflammatory properties similar to those of dexamethasone. Conclusions: Therefore, the nano-based hydrogel containing sesamol exhibits therapeutic potential for treating cutaneous inflammatory diseases.