Abstract
Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween-80)/sorbitan monooleate (Span-80)-based organogels were prepared by a fluid-filled structure mechanism by varying the composition of the organogels. The microstructures of the organogels were studied by light microscopy. The organogels were subjected to the accelerated stability test and time-dependent stability test. The stable organogels were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and simultaneous differential thermal analysis (DTA)-thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), pH and DC impedance measuring devices. Salicylic acid (SA) (model drug) was incorporated within the organogels and its release properties from the organogel matrices were studied. The antimicrobial efficiency of the SA-loaded product was tested against Bacillus subtilis. The organogels were analyzed for biocompatibility using hemolysis studies. The microscopic studies indicated the formation of fluid-filled globules in the networked structure. The stability and the properties were found to be dependent on the proportion of the surfactant mixture (SM) and water. In general, when the SM/water ratio was in the range of 1.3–1.6, the samples showed higher stability and improved properties. The release of SA from the organogels was found be combination of Fickian and nonFickian kinetics. The samples showed good antimicrobial properties and were found to be biocompatible in nature.