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SMART TOPICAL HA–CBD–ZnO–POLOXAMERS HYBRID GEL: STRUCTURAL, RHEOLOGICAL AND ANTIBACTERIAL INSIGHTS

GETA-SIMONA CÎRLOIU (BOBOC) 1#, MARIUS CIPRIAN VĂRUŢ 2, ROXANA MARIA BĂLĂŞOIU 3, DANIELA CĂLINA 4*, MARIA VIORICA CIOCÎLTEU 5, CRISTIAN TIGAE 6 , ANDREEA SIMIONESCU 6, FELICIA CIULU-COSTINESCU 7, VALENTIN NĂNESCU 8 , CLAUDIU NICOLICESCU 9, ANDREEA-CRISTINA STOIAN 10#

1 PhD Student, Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rareş Street, 200349, Craiova, Romania
2 Department of Physics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rareş Street, 200349, Craiova, Romania
3 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rareş Street, 200349, Craiova, Romania
4 Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rareş Street, 200349, Craiova, Romania
5 Department of Instrumental and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rareş Street, 200349, Craiova, Romania
6 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Craiova, 107 I Calea București, 200478, Craiova, Romania
7 Department of Pharmacy, University Titu Maiorescu, 189 Calea Văcăreşti, 031593, București, Romania
8 Pharmacy Assistants Specialization, Department of Health and Motricity, Faculty of Medical and Behavioural Sciences, “Constantin Brâncuși” University of Tg-Jiu, 4 Tineretului Street, 210185, Tg-Jiu, Romania
9 Department of Engineering and Management of Technological Systems, Faculty of Mechanics, University of Craiova, 1 Călugăreni Street, 220037, Drobeta Turnu-Severin, Romania
10 Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rareş Street, 200349, Craiova, Romania

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The increasing demand for multifunctional topical systems capable of combining structural adaptability, controlled drug release, and antimicrobial protection has led to the development of smart hybrid hydrogels. In this study, a thermoresponsive hybrid gel based on P407/P188, hyaluronic acid (HA), cannabidiol (CBD), and ZnO nanoparticles was designed and evaluated from structural, rheological, and antimicrobial perspectives. The formulation strategy aimed to integrate the gelling properties, hydrating effects of HA, anti-inflammatory potential of CBD and antibacterial activity of ZnO into a single formulation. DLS analysis indicated the formation of a stable system, with submicron populations associated with micellar structures and hybrid nanoparticles. Rheological studies highlighted pronounced shear-thinning behavior, rapid structural recovery, and a temperature-triggered sol–gel transition near physiological conditions. HA and ZnO improved viscoelastic stability and modulated gel strength. The antimicrobial activity showed that CBD inhibited Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, while the HA–CBD–ZnO system exhibited increased antibacterial activity against S. aureus, suggesting a synergistic effect between CBD and ZnO.