Preparation, Characterization, Optimization, and Stability Studies of Aceclofenac Proniosomes

The aim of this investigation was to prepare, characterize and optimize the aceclofenac proniosomes using central composite design and carry out stability studies. Three independent variables selected were molar ratio of drug to lipid (X₁), surfactant loading (X₂) and volume of hydration (X₃). Based on central composite design, 16 batches of proniosomes were prepared by slurry method and evaluated for the percentage drug entrapment (PDE) and mean volume diameter (MVD). The PDE and MVD (dependent variables) and the transformed values of independent variables were subjected to multiple regressions to establish a second order polynomial equation. Contour plots were constructed to further elucidate the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The conformity of the polynomial equations was checked by preparing three checkpoint batches. From the computer optimization process and contour plots, predicted levels of independent variables X₁, X₂, and X₃ (-0.77, -0.8 and 0 respectively), for an optimum response of PDE with constraints on MVD were determined. The optimized batch was subjected to stability studies. The polynomial equations and contour plots developed using central composite design allowed us to prepare proniosomes with optimum responses. Proniosomes stored refrigerated and at room temperature, were both found to be stable.