Design, Preparation, and Physicochemical Characterisation of Alginate-Based Honey-Loaded Topical Formulations

This study developed alginate-based topical formulations with high honey loading (70% w/v) in three formats—pre-gel solutions, calcium-crosslinked “wet” hydrogel sheets, and freeze-dried “dry” sheets—using several Western Australian honeys and a New Zealand Manuka comparator. The formulations were physicochemically characterized (pH, moisture, color, spreadability/viscosity), assessed for mechanical handling strength (sheet tensile strength), swelling behavior (dry sheets), and chemical integrity of selected non-sugar honey constituents (HPTLC), with additional quantification of methylglyoxal (MGO) for Manuka honeys. A 6-month stability study (5/30/40 °C) showed largely stable physical properties and retention of monitored honey constituents, with temperature-dependent changes noted for some markers (e.g., modest MGO decreases at higher temperatures and HMF formation at 30–40 °C).