Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Research
Vol. 14 No. 3 (2026)

Development and optimization of zingerone-loaded PLGA oil-based nanocarriers for enhanced solubility and sustained drug release

Varsha Laxman Jakune (Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Solapur University, Solapur-Pune National Highway, Kegaon, Solapur-413255, Maharashtra, India.)
Varsha Siddheswar Tegeli (D.S.T.S. Mandal’s College of Pharmacy, Solapur-413255, Maharashtra, India)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 May 2026

Abstract

Background: Zingerone, a phenolic constituent of Zingiber officinale, possesses notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Its therapeutic use is limited by poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability, resulting in suboptimal efficacy. Polymeric nanocarriers, especially poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based systems, offer an effective approach to enhance solubility, stability, and controlled drug delivery. Integration of lipid components into PLGA matrices can further improve drug loading and solubilization. This study focused on the design and optimization of zingerone-loaded PLGA oil-based nanocarriers to improve solubility and sustained release. Methodology: Solubility screening of zingerone in different oils identified peanut oil as the most suitable vehicle (54.31 mg/ml). Nanocarriers were prepared using a solvent evaporation method, producing nine formulations (F1–F9) with varying oil content and homogenization speeds. Characterization included particle size and zeta potential analysis, FTIR, DSC, SEM, and drug content determination using UV spectroscopy and HPLC. Drug release was studied using a dialysis membrane in phosphate buffer (pH 6.4), and stability testing was performed for the optimized formulation. Results and Discussion: The optimized batch (F4) exhibited a particle size of 79.7 nm, a zeta potential of −27.3 mV, and a drug content of 99.73%. Solubility increased more than 30-fold (5.44 mg/ml), with sustained drug release reaching 97.7% over 24 hours. Characterization confirmed efficient encapsulation and formulation stability. Conclusion: PLGA oil-based nanocarriers significantly improved zingerone solubility and enabled controlled release, indicating strong potential for further pharmacokinetic and therapeutic evaluation.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

joapr

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Research (JOAPR) is an official publication of Creative Pharma Assent (CPA). It is an open access, peer review online international journal. JOAPR is primarily focused on multiple discipline of pharmaceutical sciences (Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Technology, ...