Synthesis of Nanoemulsions to enhance dermal applications of bioactive compounds available in Australian native plants: Characterization, evaluation and comparison of their biomedical activities

For centuries, plants have been used for the medicinal and therapeutic purpose for curing of diseases and improving human health. Several plant species with different therapeutic properties have been identified in Australia. Globally there is an upcoming interest in drugs derived from plants sources as well as huge industry development of natural products containing oils and herbs, because of its promising medical benefits with less or no side effects. However, the great challenge of using crude herbs/plants (various plant parts and exudates) for dermal application as biomedical compounds include low absorption and inability to cross the lipid membranes of the cells, resulting in loss of bioavailability and efficacy.
Also, extraction of phytochemicals mostly involves organic solvents that could be expensive and toxic. Green synthesised nanocarriers are emerging as preferable choices for extraction and drug delivery which are environmentally friendly.
The current PhD project will examine an alternative way to administering the native Australian medicinal plants with the prospect of increasing the efficiency of probable biomedical properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, cell proliferation and transdermal delivery by green synthesising nanoemulsions (NE) from their oils and water extracts. Two Australian native plants found in the Northern Territory will be used. The medicinal properties of synthesised NE will be compared with native plant extracts.