Study of Formulation Variables Influencing Polymeric Microparticles by Experimental Design

Abstract

The objective of this study was to prepare diclofenac sodium loaded microparticles by single emulsion [oil-in-water (o/w)] solvent evaporation method. The 2² experimental design methodology was used to evaluate the effect of two formulation variables on microspheres properties using the Design-Expert^® software and evaluated for their particle size, morphology, and encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release. The graphical and mathematical analysis of the design showed that the independent variables were a significant effect on the encapsulation efficiency and drug release of microparticles. The low magnitudes of error and significant values of R² prove the high prognostic ability of the design. The microspheres showed high encapsulation efficiency with an increase in the amount of polymer and decrease in the amount of PVA in the formulation. The particles were found to be spherical with smooth surface. Prolonged drug release and enhancement of encapsulation efficiency of polymeric microparticles can be successfully obtained with an application of experimental design technique.