Optimization of formulation and process condition for downsizing of labisia pumila and ficus deltoidea loaded niosome

Abstract

Niosome, a novel drug delivery system was proposed to encapsulate Labisia pumila (LP) and Ficus deltoidea (FD) extract in order to enhance their absorption through skin. However, niosomes preparation involves several parameters such as formulation and process condition which affect the niosomes production. Thus the aim of this study is to obtain the optimum formulation and process condition for encapsulation of niosomes loaded LP and FD extract. Niosomes loaded with both extracts were prepared by coacervation phase separation method and further downsized with high pressure homogenizer, Design of experiment (DOE) was employed to ease this research. Mixture design experiment (14 batches) was applied to obtain the optimum formulation while Central Composite Design (11 batches) was applied to obtain optimum process condition. The factors involved in formulation were amount of Span 60, cholesterol and Labrasol while the parameters that affect the process condition were homogenization cycle and pressure. Their corresponding responses for both designs were the same, which were entrapment efficiency (EE), particle size (PS) and zeta potential (ZP). From the study, the optimum formulation obtained consists of 0.6 mmol of Span 60, 0.4 of mmol cholesterol and 0.1 mmol of Labrasol. Meanwhile, the optimum process condition for both LP and FD niosomes is 1100 bar of pressure and 6 cycles. It has been indicated that the mixture design and Central Composite design of experiment have succeeded in optimization of the formulation ingredients and processing parameters. The obtained optimized niosomes also has manifested a remarkable improvement in skin penetration and skin retention.