Optimization of formulation of paeonol lipid microspheres by central composite design-response surface method and its drug release mechanism in vitro / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To optimize the formulation of paeonol lipid microspheres (Pae-LM) through central composite design- response surface method and determine its in vitro release characteristics. Methods: Using the mean particle size and centrifugal stability constant (Ke) as evaluation indexes, the oil phase type and the ratio of composite oil, the amount of phospholipid and stearic acid, the type of emulsifier, the type and amount of stabilizer, the quality of PC and CH, the high-speed shear temperature and time, the homogenization pressure and time was screened in prescription process. Effects of dosage of paeonol and high pressure homogenizing pressure on the properties of Pae-LM preparation were investigated by central composite design-response surface method. The binomial model and multivariate linear regression model were used to establish the mathematical relationship between the indexes and the factors. According to the best mathematical model of evaluation index, the response surface was depicted and the best prescription was analyzed by the response surface method. According to the optimized formulation Pae-LM, the in vitro drug release characteristics were investigated. Results: The best prescription of Pae-LM was basically round, with mean particle size of (149.32 ± 0.57) nm, Zeta potential of (-36.01 ± 3.09) mV, encapsulation rate of (98.24 ± 0.32)% and drug-loading rate of (11.94 ± 0.04)%. There was a credible quantitative relationship between Ke and the two factors, and the binomialmodel was more reliable than the multivariate linear model. The cumulative release of paeonol drug substance at 12, 24 and 36 h were 71.84%, 85.21% and 95.07%, while the cumulative release of Pae-LM was only 57.21%, 59.66%, and 63.91% at 12, 24 and 36 h, respectively. The drug release was in accordance with the Ritger-peppas model. Conclusion: Central composite design-response surface method can be applied to optimize prescription of lipid emulsion microspheres. The optimized particle size of Pae-LM was suitable with a higher encapsulation rate, which can provide a reference for the development of paeonol cardiovascular delivery system.