Analytical Characterization and Molecular Interaction Study of Quercetin-Loaded Transferosomes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31489/2959-0663/3-26-2Keywords:
quercetin, transferosomes, drug delivery, molecular docking, RP-HPLC, method validation, anti-inflammatory activity, skin disordersAbstract
Quercetin is a bioactive flavonoid that has potent anti-inflammatory activity. Its topical applications are limited due to poor solubility and permeability. The present study aims to develop and characterize quercetin-loaded transferosomes and to establish a validated RP-HPLC method for its quantification. Molecular docking studies revealed favourable binding of quercetin with key inflammatory targets. This included NF-kB (-8.66 kcal/mol), IgE (-7.22 kcal/mol), and TSLP (-6.54 kcal/mol). An RP-HPLC method was developed using C18 column with the mobile phase of acetonitrile and 0.3 % OPA (50:50 v/v). The method showed good linearity over the range of 20-120 µg/mL (R = 0.998). The retention time of quercetin was 4.303 min. Validation parameters demonstrated accuracy (99.89-100.11 %), precision (RSD <2 %), and sensitivity with LOD and LOQ of 0.57 µg/mL and 1.69 µg/mL, respectively. Transferosomes prepared using the thin-film hydration method exhibited a mean particle size of 190.4±1.6 nm, PDI of 0.324, and zeta potential of -22.4 mV. The entrapment efficiency was found to be 86.24 ± 1.61 %. FTIR, DSC, and SEM confirmed successful drug incorporation and vesicle formation. The transferosome exhibited sustained release (93.6 ± 0.9 % at 24 h) and Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetics. Hence, the developed system represents a promising platform for transferosome-loaded quercetin assessment.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Natasha S. Akojwar, Nikhil Y. Yenorkar, Ayusha O. Dondulkar, Ankit Ganeshpurkar, Beauty Behera, Satyendra K. Prasad
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