Objective To construct a Blumea balsamifera oil (BBO) Pickering emulsion (AMWE-BBO@PE) stabilized by soybean protein isolate (SPI) and loaded with Astragalus membranaceus water extract (AMWE), and evaluate its physicochemical properties, antibacterial activity, and effect on wound healing in mice. Methods AMWE-BBO@PE was prepared by ultrasonic emulsification method using SPI as the stabilizer and BBO as the oil phase. Key process partners including the concentration of AMWE, oil-water ratio, and ultrasonic power were optimized via single-factor experiments. The particle size, ζ potential, polydispersity index (PDI), and stability of the emulsion were characterized; its micromorphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and optical microscopy. Additionally, its transdermal penetration ability, antibacterial activity, and wound healing-promoting effect were evaluated. Results The optimal process partners were determined as follows: oil-water ratio of 4%, AMWE mass concentration of 0.020 g/mL, and ultrasonic power of 30 W. The prepared emulsion exhibited a regular elliptical shape with an average particle size of (422.2 ± 2.2) nm, PDI of 0.076 ± 0.019, and ζ potential of (−33.95 ± 0.54) mV, showing good stability. The cumulative transdermal amount within 48 h reached 4.857 mg, and the transdermal rate was approximately 6.3-fold higher than that of the BBO group. Furthermore, the emulsion displayed significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, accelerated the deposition and remodeling of collagen fibers, and remarkably promoted the healing of skin wounds in mice. Conclusion The AMWE-BBO@PE Pickering emulsion possesses excellent antibacterial activity and wound healing-promoting capacity, providing a novel strategy for the development of efficient and stable transdermal delivery systems for aqueous extracts of traditional Chinese medicines.

Blumea balsamifera oil  /  Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge  /  water extract  /  Pickering emulsion  /  antibacterial activity  /  wound healing