ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to develop a formulation for propofol injection at various concentrations (1 and 2%)using palm oil-based nanoemulsion as the carrier. The nanoemulsions were characterised by globule size distribution(Dv 90 value), zeta potential, pH and viscosity determination. The physicochemical stability and accelerated stabilityof the formulations were also evaluated. Stability studies were performed for 6 months at 4, 16, 25 and 40oC storagetemperatures. The propofol content was analysed by HPLC study. The characterisation result of propofol nanoemulsion 1and 2% showed good globule size distributions in Dv 90 values of 284 ± 1.15 nm and 304 ± 1.20 nm and also stable zetapotential values of-43.37 ± 0.96 mV and -40.97 ± 1.36 mV, respectively. Accelerated test showed that the formulationshave excellent stability with no physical changes observed after centrifugation, autoclaving at 121oC for 15 mins, shakingfor 12 hours and thermal cycling test. The stability studies indicated that propofol emulsion show good stability for 6months when stored at 4 ± 1oC and 16 ± 1oC based on Dv 90 values, zeta potential, and pH readings. No changes inpropofol concentrations were observed after 6 months storage. Overall, propofol in palm oil-based nanoemulsions ascarrier was found to be stable and can be used as an alternative anaesthetic inje