Development of Size Optimized Bromelain Loaded Nanocarriers by Box- Behnken Design

Abstract

Bromelain (BRN) is an extensive product of investigation, regarded as eff ective naturally produced anticancer agents. Heterogeneity of tumors amongst patients and within disease, generates a necessity of personalization of nanomedicine. The size of nanoparticle is found to be a signifi cant target in enhancing precision therapeutics, by fondly accumulate it within the tumor microenvironment. The objective of the study is to achieve an optimum size of 50 to 100 nm BRN loaded nano carriers, to intensify the EPR eff ect and thereby overcome heterogeneity. Optimization of the nanoparticles commenced with the interrogation of eff ect by various formulation variables. The development of nanoparticles carried out by the nanoprecipitation method, where three independent variables, such as the amount of PLGA, Tween 80 and BRN are chosen after an overall screening and employed in Design Expert Software. The selected Box-Behnken design provides a total of 17 confi rmatory runs at varied levels of independent variables and detected its infl uence on responses. The runs resulted in an optimized formula with the desired particle size of 78.64 ± 2.14 nm and a maximum entrapment effi ciency of 89.14% at 24th hour. Then the selected formula characterized for polydispersity index, zeta potential, sanning electron m icroscopy, determination of drug content, study of in-vitro drug release etc.