Optimization of Process Parameters for Development of Camptothecin Loaded Poly (Methacylic Acid-Co-Methyl Methyacrylate) Nanoparticles Using Plackett-Burman Factorial Design Methodology

Objective: The aim of the present study was to develop Camptothecin loaded poly (methacylic acid-co-methyl methyacrylate) nanoparticles and to optimize the process parameters for the preparation of polymeric nanoparticles using Plackett-Burman factorial design. The relationship between design factor and experimental data was evaluated. Method: In this study, Camptothecin loaded poly (methacylic acid-co-methyl methyacrylate) nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation method. The prepared nanoparticles were optimized using Plackett-Burman method. Critical formulation variables were optimized in this study in terms of their corresponding effects on the preparation of nanoparticles. The characterization of the optimized nanoformulations with respect to particle size distribution, particle morphology were carried out using malvern instrument and Transmission electron microscope (TEM). Results: Factorial design results have shown that (a) Except, beta-cyclodextrin concentration, poloxamer concentration and the process all other parameters significantly influenced the average particle size; (b) Except, stirring time, stirring speed and stirring mode all other process parameters significantly influence the particle size uniformity; (c) Except, volume of organic phase and stirring speed all other process parameters significantly influence the surface area. Conclusion: The average particle size, particle size uniformity and surface area of the optimized formulation were found to be 99.29 nm, 0.242 and 65.2 m(2)g(-1) respectively. Surface morphology examination has shown that the prepared nanoparticles were spherical in shape. Characterization of optimized formulation provided by evaluation of experimental data showed no significant difference between observed and predicted value.