RESEARCH PROPOSAL

FOR VALENTINE MHUTE

ND2 PHARMACY 2021
Title: Development and formulation of a topical cream containing Diperoxochloric Acid for the
treatment of wounds, pressure ulcers and burns in Harare.
Problem Statement
It has been shown that with the increasing use of antimicrobial agents, the cases of the organisms
that are becoming drug resistant are also on the rise (Fish et al., 1995). This problem has,
however, give rise to the several studies on how the microorganism are able to antimicrobial
therapy and how it is spread to other organisms. Due to the emergency of antimicrobial drug
resistant pathogenic microorganisms, there is need for the extensive research on new antibiotic
agents for the treatment of second and third degree burns, pressure ulcers and chronic poor
healing wounds. The Novel cream will be compared with Silver Sulphurdiazine (SSD) cream as
the control. Diperoxochloric acid is targeted to be used against the This study is important
because the New Chemical Entity (NCE), Diperoxochloric acid has dual mechanism of action
that has functional anti-bacterial action (against Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative bacterium)
and also promotes growth of fibroblast cells. This assist in complete closure of the wound.
(https://adisinsight.springer.com/drugs/800021171).
Justification
This study involves the testing of the antimicrobial activity of a novel Diperoxochloric acid
topical cream against the most common causative agents of wound infections comparing it with
SSD cream as the control. Diperoxochloric acid is a New Chemical Entity with intralesional skin
growth stimulant and disinfectant for the wound healing in diabetic foot and venous leg ulcers
developed by Derma Tools AG.

Research Question
Is Diperoxochloric Acid effective in the treatment of wounds, pressure ulcers and burns, and can
it be incorporated into a cream base to make an antimicrobial cream?
Objectives
Aim: To develop and evaluate a topical antibacterial cream by incorporating the New Chemical
Entity, Diperoxochloric acid into a cream base.

Specific Objectives
The specific objectives of the study are to:
a). To grow the cultures of the test organisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes
and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
b). To formulate the cream with different drug concentrations and determine the most potent
formulation against the bacteria against the test organisms.
c). To evaluate the cream with the most minimum inhibitory concentration against the test
pathogenic microorganisms.

Methodology
Sample Collection
Samples of wound exudates will be collected from Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in the
Casualty Department. The test pathogenic microorganisms will be collected from Lancet
Laboratories Inc Harare. The identity of the test organisms will be authenticated by staining
using the Gram – Stain method and viewing under a microscope.
Materials to be used
Beakers, spatula, pestle, motar, filter papers, cotton, autoclave, incubator, 70% ethanol,
inoculating loop, 5 microlitre tips, tissues, gram stain solution, lenticules of the test organisms,
LB broth, Diperoxochloric acid, emulsifying ointment, deionised water.
Formulation of Cream

A cream base will be formulated after identifying the most potent concentration. The most potent
concentration will be incorporated into the cream base in order to get an antimicrobial cream,
and then, the cream will be tested for stability, appearance and antimicrobial activity in
comparison to Silver Sulphurdiazine (SSD) cream.
Data analysis
Data analysis will be carried out in the form of tables and graphs.
Ethical Consideration
a) To seek permission from the Head of Biological Sciences to use the laboratory.
b) To seek approval from the Joint and Research Ethics Committee.
Results
The results of this study will provide reference for further pharmaceutical research and medicinal
practice with regards to the use of Novel Diperoxochloric acid topical cream in the treatment of
second and third degree burns, pressure ulcers and chronic poor healing wounds.
Conclusion
Work Plan
Period (2021-2022)

September
October
November
December
January
February
March

Budget