QbD Based Optimization of Curcumin Nanoemulsion: DoE and Cytotoxicity Studies

Aim: The aim of this study was to employ a Quality by design (QbD) based approach for the development and optimization of stable curcumin (CUR) nanoemulsion (NE). Materials and Methods: The NE was developed using Tween 80 as surfactant, Tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) as cosurfactant and Kollisolv MCT 70 as oil phase. The Design of Experiment (DoE) consisted of a 3 level- 2 factor full factorial design for the optimization. The independent variables were concentration of surfactant mix (Smix) and oil phase while particle size, zeta potential and polydispersity index (PDI) were the dependent variables. The NE was evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, pH, viscosity, transmittance, drug content, in-vitro drug release, stability and in vitro anticancer activity. Results: The optimized formulation showed approximate particle size of 17nm, zeta potential -12.8 and polydispersity index 0.161 and was stable for three months at room temperature. The nanoemulsion showed better activity as compared to pure drug against pituitary and colon cancer cell-lines. Conclusion: QbD based approach can aid in the development of robust and thermodynamically stable NEs.