Development and evaluation of nasal hydrogel with biopolymer loaded gold nanoparticle for antibacterial activity

Aim This study aimed to develop and evaluate mucoadhesive nasal hydrogels incorporating biopolymer-stabilized gold nanoparticles (GNPs) for antibacterial applications.Materials and Methods Gold nanoparticles were synthesized by a reduction method and incorporated into hydrogels prepared using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC; 0.2% and 2%) and pectin (10%). Formulations were characterized for physicochemical interactions, particle size, PDI, zeta potential, viscosity, osmolarity, and FTIR. Mucoadhesive strength was measured using a texture analyzer. Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae was evaluated using broth dilution and agar diffusion methods. Cytocompatibility was assessed in RAW 264.7 cells using the MTT assay.Results The 2% CMC-GNP hydrogel showed improved stability (–17 to –22 mV) and higher viscosity (700–2000 cP), while pectin-GNP hydrogels exhibited superior mucoadhesion (peak: 1.28 N) and uniform nanoparticle distribution. Both formulations demonstrated antibacterial activity comparable to gentamicin. Cell viability remained high, with pectin-GNP and 2% CMC-GNP showing 95.07% and 90.16%, respectively.Conclusion Biopolymer-stabilized GNP hydrogels exhibited enhanced stability, mucoadhesion, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility, supporting their potential as nasal delivery systems for preventing bacterial colonization.