Abstract
Sapropel, a sediment rich in organic matter and bioactive compounds, has significant potential for pharma-
ceutical and cosmetic applications. This study aimed to develop a stable, water-soluble hydrogel containing
sapropel extract as a delivery platform for these bioactive compounds. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC)
was used as a gelling agent in eight formulations, with or without sapropel extract, and buffer solutions (NaCl,
MgSO4, MgCl2). The gels were evaluated for organoleptic properties, pH, viscosity, stability, and thermal
resistance over a 2-year period under different storage conditions.
All sapropel extract containing formulations exhibited a smooth, homogeneous and light-yellow appearance
with good stability and spread ability. The pH levels ranged from 4.7 to 7.4, within the acceptable range for skin
application, although formulations with MgCl2 showed greater pH fluctuations. Viscosity analyses revealed that
sapropel extract decreased viscosity, particularly under fluctuating temperatures. MgSO4-buffered formulations
exhibited the most stable viscosity over time. However, some formulations demonstrated decreased stability and
viscosity after prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures and UV light. Centrifugal and thermal tests
confirmed the physical stability of the gels, with no phase separation observed.
Overall, the study confirms the feasibility of incorporating sapropel extract into stable, water-soluble hydro-
gels, making them suitable for potential therapeutic and cosmetic uses.
ceutical and cosmetic applications. This study aimed to develop a stable, water-soluble hydrogel containing
sapropel extract as a delivery platform for these bioactive compounds. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC)
was used as a gelling agent in eight formulations, with or without sapropel extract, and buffer solutions (NaCl,
MgSO4, MgCl2). The gels were evaluated for organoleptic properties, pH, viscosity, stability, and thermal
resistance over a 2-year period under different storage conditions.
All sapropel extract containing formulations exhibited a smooth, homogeneous and light-yellow appearance
with good stability and spread ability. The pH levels ranged from 4.7 to 7.4, within the acceptable range for skin
application, although formulations with MgCl2 showed greater pH fluctuations. Viscosity analyses revealed that
sapropel extract decreased viscosity, particularly under fluctuating temperatures. MgSO4-buffered formulations
exhibited the most stable viscosity over time. However, some formulations demonstrated decreased stability and
viscosity after prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures and UV light. Centrifugal and thermal tests
confirmed the physical stability of the gels, with no phase separation observed.
Overall, the study confirms the feasibility of incorporating sapropel extract into stable, water-soluble hydro-
gels, making them suitable for potential therapeutic and cosmetic uses.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 100669 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications |
Volume | 9 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jan 2025 |
Keywords*
- fulvic acid
- humic acid
- Hydrogels
- pharmaceutics
- sapropel extract
- Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC)
Field of Science*
- 3.4 Medical biotechnology
Publication Type*
- 1.1. Scientific article indexed in Web of Science and/or Scopus database