2³ FACTORIAL DESIGN OPTIMIZATION OF ELLAGICACID-LOADED POLYMERIC NANOPARTICLES FORSERUM-BASED TOPICAL DELIVERY

This study aimed to develop and optimise Ellagic Acid (EA)-loaded polymeric nanoparticles for topical deliverythrough a serum formulation, with the goal of enabling efficient incorporation of plant-derived bioactives intotopical therapies. A UV spectroscopic calibration curve of EA (y = 0.1062x – 0.0077; R² = 0.989) confirmedlinearity for accurate quantification. Using a 2³ factorial design, the influence of Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and homogenization cycles on formulation parameters was optimised. Theresulting nanoparticles exhibited a particle size of 185 nm, a PDI of 0.490, and an entrapment efficiency of 99.15%, demonstrating strong stability and uniformity. FTIR spectra confirmed characteristic functional groups of EAandPLGA, while XRD analysis revealed a crystalline pattern with retained major EA peaks, indicating successful encapsulation. The serum formulation showed a viscosity of 14,300 cP ± 0.1 and a drug content of 72.2%, ensuringsuitable topical consistency. In-vitro studies indicated 97.87% cumulative drug release within 4 hours, confirmingimproved solubility and diffusion. The developed EA serum demonstrates excellent potential as a safe and stabletopical formulation for plant-derived bioactive compounds. This research supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well- being) by promoting sustainable, plant-derived nanocarriers for advanced dermatological applications.