Optimization of Finasteride Nano-Emulsion Preparation Using Chemometric Approach

Purpose: To study the effect of some factors on the size of finasteride nano-emulsion by chemometric approach which could predict the size of nano-emulsion droplets under different conditions. Methods: Nano-emulsions were prepared using spontaneous emulsification method which occurs when organic and aqueous phases are mixed. The organic phase was a homogeneous solution of oil (finasteride as a lipophilic drug) and water–miscible solvent with or without lipophilic surfactant (Span 80), while the aqueous phase consisted of water with or without hydrophilic surfactant (Tween 80). Chemometric approach was applied for optimizing the size of the nano-emulsion droplets. For this purpose, the effect of three experimental parameters on size was investigated by multivariant analysis. The experiments were performed according to Box-Behnken experimental design. The factors considered were sonication time (0 – 5 min), and contents of Span-80 (0 0.16 %) and Tween-80 (0 0.26 %). Results: The regression model obtained was characterized by both descriptive and predictive ability. The method was optimized with respect to average diameter as a response, based on a defined equation Conclusion: The Box-Behnken experimental design is a suitable tool for optimizing and testing the robustness of the method for preparing finasteride nano-emulsion.