Development and characterization of curcumin-loaded polycaprolactone nanoparticles by Design of Experiments

Abstract

Objectives. Design of Experiments (DOE) is a powerful tool for identifying important formulation factors and process parameters in drug design and manufacturing, to ensure certain product specifications. This study aimed at manufacturing curcumin-loaded polycaprolactone nanoparticles (CURC-PCL NP), and used DOE in order to understand how formulation and process variables impact the drug delivery system’s characteristics. Polymeric nanoparticles are a suitable approach for incorporating hydrophobic drugs such as curcumin, in order to maximize the numerous beneficial effects, and to minimize the side effects and shortcomings such as low water-solubility and bioavailability. Material and methods. The CURC-PCL NP were prepared by the solvent displacement method. The effects of various formulation and process variables on the nanoparticles’ characteristics were investigated by employing a fractional factorial design with 19 runs. Outcomes. Regression equations were generated to predict the impact of changing variables on particle size, size distribution, zeta potential, drug content and entrapment efficiency. The statistical analysis indicated that the chosen model was robust, reliable and assured good experimental control. Conclusions. Overall, this study shows that DOE is useful in achieving the desirable goals in polymeric nanoparticle development, in the shortest time possible and with a reduced number of experiments.

Keywords

• curcumin
• polycaprolactone
• polymeric nanoparticles
• design of experiments