Formulation optimization of a palm-based nanoemulsion system containing levodopa

Int J Mol Sci. 2012 Oct 11;13(10):13049-64. doi: 10.3390/ijms131013049.

Abstract

Response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to investigate the influence of the main emulsion composition; mixture of palm and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil (6%-12% w/w), lecithin (1%-3% w/w), and Cremophor EL (0.5%-1.5% w/w) as well as the preparation method; addition rate (2-20 mL/min), on the physicochemical properties of palm-based nanoemulsions. The response variables were the three main emulsion properties; particle size, zeta potential and polydispersity index. Optimization of the four independent variables was carried out to obtain an optimum level palm-based nanoemulsion with desirable characteristics. The response surface analysis showed that the variation in the three responses could be depicted as a quadratic function of the main composition of the emulsion and the preparation method. The experimental data could be fitted sufficiently well into a second-order polynomial model. The optimized formulation was stable for six months at 4 °C.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
  • Drug Stability
  • Emulsions / chemistry*
  • Glycerol / analogs & derivatives
  • Glycerol / chemistry
  • Levodopa / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Palm Oil
  • Particle Size
  • Plant Oils / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Emulsions
  • Plant Oils
  • Levodopa
  • Palm Oil
  • cremophor EL
  • Glycerol