Bioinspired bioartifical polymer hybrid composites for propolis vaginal delivery I: formulation development and optimization of gelling temperature using experimental design

Abstract

Polymer hybrid composites for propolis vaginal delivery were developed and optimized in term of gelling temperature (Tg) using experimental design studies. Formulation of intelligent delivery system, with in situ gelling and controlled release properties, was carried out by bioartificial blending of chitosan and poloxamers, Lutrol F127 and Lutrol F68. Response-surface, Box-Behnken, experimental design was applied for determination of key factors influencing Tg. Influence of Lutrol F127 concentration, Lutrol F68/Lutrol F127 mass ratio and volume of simulated vaginal fluid was evaluated. Derived correlations enabled formulation optimization in term of Tg (32 °C). The model was cross-validated. Confirmation report and relative error percent of predicted and experimental values were obtained.