Evaluation of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems using multivariate methods to optimize permeability of captopril oral films

Abstract The present report demonstrates a quality by design approach to understand and optimize self-nanoemulsifying orodispersible films (SNEODF) of captopril for hypertension. A central composite experimental design was used to study the formulation parameters effects (primary emulsion, aqueous phase, and surfactant) on the film properties (globule size, film burst, adhesion, Young's moduli, disintegration time, tensile strength and dissolution). Principle component analysis (PCA) and principle component regression (PCR) were employed to identify and quantify the effects of formulation variables and physico-mechanical properties of the film on the drug permeability. PCA classified three distinct groups of film formulations based on their composition and properties. PCR quantified the impact of main variables, their interactions, and square effects on the drug permeability. The main effect of the aqueous phase exhibited a negative impact, while that of flux and tensile strength showed a positive impact on the permeability. Interactions of primary emulsions with disintegration time and tensile strength displayed a synergistic impact. Interactions of aqueous phase with flux, Young's moduli, and tensile strength, as well as between Young's moduli and tensile strength showed a significant positive effect on the permeability. A negative correlation of square effects of primary emulsion and flux, and a positive square effect of Young's moduli confirmed their non-linear influence on the drug permeability across porcine buccal mucosa. This research work demonstrates application of design of experiment and multivariate methods to achieve targeted product quality of captopril (SNEODF) having improved permeability and pH independent release profile.