Reinvestigating nanoprecipitation via Box–Behnken design: a systematic approach

Abstract

This work demonstrates Box–Behnken design (BBD)’s capability in exploring scientific principles governing a process, different from its use in process optimisation. We have investigated nanoprecipitation (NP) of temozolomide with polycaprolactone. Five factors, surfactant, stirring speed (SS), dropping rate (DR), phase–volume ratio (PVR) and drug–polymer ratio (DPR) were varied over three levels. Corresponding particle size (238.9 ± 42.24 nm), zeta potential (ZP, −5.92 ± 3.15 mV), poly dispersity index (PDI, 0.176 ± 0.06) and entrapment efficiency (EE, 65.74 ± 9.83%) were put into different polynomial equations. Analysis of variance, lack of fit tests and regression analysis was applied on these equations to determine the one with best fit. This selected equation was subsequently adapted as the model to describe influence of factors on NP. 3D response surface plots corresponding to models and diagnostic plots relatable to normality of residuals were also constructed. In conclusion, application of BBD efficiently strategised experimental foray conducted to elucidate NP.

• Box–Behnken design
• design of experiment
• nanoprecipitation
• polycaprolactone
• polymeric nanoparticles
• temozolomide

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to extend their sincere gratitude towards CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow for providing facilities, infrastructure and conducive environment for execution of this project. Authors are also thankful for the financial assisatance provided by CSIR Network project HOPE.

Declaration of interest

All the authors declare no conflict of interest with respect to order of authorship or any external agency.