Optimization of Processing Parameters of Nanoemulsion Containing Aripiprazole Using Response Surface Methodology

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Aripiprazole, a quinolinone derivative, is a key therapeutic agent for schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder.
• Nanoemulsions offer advanced drug delivery systems for improved therapeutic efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize the formulation of aripiprazole nanoemulsions using high emulsification methods.
• To determine the ideal process parameters for achieving a small droplet size in aripiprazole nanoemulsions.

Main Methods:

• A Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD) within Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed.
• Investigated the impact of overhead stirring time, shear rate, shear time, and high-pressure homogenizer cycles on droplet size.
• Utilized high emulsification techniques for nanoemulsion preparation.

Main Results:

• Optimal conditions yielded a nanoemulsion with a droplet size of 64.52 nm.
• The optimized formulation exhibited favorable viscosity (3.72 mPa.s), pH (7.4), and osmolality (297 mOsm/kg).
• The nanoemulsion demonstrated stability over three months across various temperatures (4°C, 25°C, 45°C).

Conclusions:

• Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is an effective tool for optimizing nanoemulsion formulations.
• The study successfully produced nanoemulsions with desirable droplet sizes for parenteral delivery of aripiprazole.