Application of central composite design-response surface methodology to the formulation of flurbiprofen-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers gel

Objective To obtain a optimized formulation of flurbiprofen-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers by using central composite design-response surface methodology. Methods The effect of formulation variables(amount of flurbiprofen,amount of lecithin,amount of Poloxamer 188 and Tween-80,amount of sodium deoxycholate)on a number of response variables were systemically investigated.The response variables were particle size,zeta potential,entrapment efficiency and drug loaded.A desirability function that combines these four response variables was constructed.A second-order polynomial equation was fitted to the data,and the resulting equation was used to predict the responses in the optimal region. Results All the investigated response variables were found to be highly dependent on the formulation variables.It was found that optimum overall desirability of the flurbiprofen-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers can be obtained at 0.222 g of flurbiprofen,0.300 g of Lecithin,2.000 g of poloxamer 188 and Tween-80,and at 0.100 g of sodium deoxycholate.The experimental values of the response variables highly agree with the predict values. Conclusions Central composite design-response surface methodology is successfully used to optimize the preparation of flurbiprofen-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers.Overall desirability can be used to represent the most desirable variables in experimental design.