Preparation, Optimization and Characterization of Ketoprofen Proniosomes for Transdermal Delivery

The aim of the present study was to prepare, optimize and characterize ketoprofen proniosomes. The niosomes were prepared using a slurry method followed by in vitro evaluation after embedding the proniosomes-derived niosomes into a carbopol matrix. A central, composite Box-Wilson design was used for the optimization with the total lipid concentration (X1), surfactant loading (X2) and amount of drug (X3) as the independent variables. Prepared proniosomes were characterized for percentage drug entrapment (PDE) and mean volume diameter (MVD). Multiple regression analysis and contour plots were used to relate the dependent and independent variables. Checkpoint batches were also prepared to prove the validity of the evolved mathematical model and contour plots. The optimization model predicted the levels of X1, X2 and X3 (-1, -0.3 and 0.92, respectively), for a maximized response of PDE with constraints of ≤ 5 μm on MVD. Optimized batch was used to prepare a niosomal gel, which showed significantly higher cumulative amount of drug permeated and steady state transdermal flux compared to plain gel. This work has demonstrated the use of the central composite BoxWilson design, regression analysis, and contour plots in optimizing ketoprofen proniosomes. Developed niosomal gel formulation has also demonstrated permeation enhancement of ketoprofen compared to plain gel.