Screening and Process Optimization of Andrographolide-Loaded Sesame Oil Nanoemulsion Using Plackett–Burman Design: A Technological Approach Towards Sustainable Drug Delivery

Abstract

1. Objective

This study is aimed to fabricate andrographolide-loaded sesame oil nanoemulsion (AP-SNE) and to screening the formulation and process variables that produce significant effect on droplet size, PDI and zeta potential of the prepared sesame oil nanoemulsion by using Plackett-Burman experimental design.

2. Methods

A nanoemulsion formulation of andrographolide was prepared by modified solvent evaporation method and characterized using particle size analyzer. A Plackett–Burman experimental design was employed to screen the influence of eleven independent variables (six formulation and five process) on three dependent variables. Seventeen experimental trials involving eleven independent variables at higher and lower levels were generated by Design-Expert.

3. Results

Mean droplet size, PDI and Zeta potential were found in the range of 71.6-178 nm, 0.041-0.351 and -24 to -42.2 mV respectively. Each response coefficient was studied for its statistical significance based on half-normal plot and pareto charts.

4. Conclusion

From both the analysis, it was concluded that concentration of oil, concentration of surfactant, concentration of egg lecithin and microfluidization pressure had significant main effects on the nanoemulsion. The Plackett–Burman design proved to be an efficient statistical screening tool for identifying the most influential formulation and process variables with a minimal number of experimental trials. Furthermore, nanoemulsion was found to be a suitable delivery system for andrographolide due to its poor aqueous solubility, offering a promising strategy to improve its formulation and therapeutic potential.