Level Box-Behnken Design Research Articles

The effect of size concentration, lubricant and plasticizer agents contents on cold sizing process performance of cotton warp yarns: modelling and optimization studies

Cold sizing is the alternative to conventional hot sizing of cotton warp yarns due to this low-energy consuming character. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of size recipe ingredients on the cold sizing performance of cotton warp yarns. A three factors-three levels Box-Behnken experimental design and a response surface methodology were investigated to examine the effect of size concentration (40, 50, and 60 g/L), lubricant agent content (0%, 4%, and 8%), and plasticizer agent content (0%, 5%, and 10%) on sizing properties. In this work, the effect of experimental parameters was determined by using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Therefore, a multi-objective optimization technique was used to optimize the output responses in terms of the maximum value of size cohesion power, the maximum value of size adhesion to cotton fibers, the maximum values of mechanical properties of sized cotton warp yarns, and the minimum value of hairiness of warp yarn after cold sizing. Finally, the experimental results are in good agreement with those obtained by SEM and FTIR analysis. In addition, desizing efficiencies and wettability results proved that the optimum size recipe was successfully removable from cotton fabrics by the desizing process in hot water.

Enhancing solubility of polymer-loaded febuxostat through ultrasound-assisted microfluidic antisolvent nanoprecipitation: Optimization using Box-Behnken design

Febuxostat (FEB) nanoparticles with the use of poloxamer 407 were prepared using ultrasound assisted microfluidic nanoprecipitation method to enhance febuxostat's solubility and bioavailability. The optimization for this purpose was conducted using the Box Behnken design (BBD) approach. Four factors and three level BBD was used to study the interactive and individual effect of ultrasonic frequency (X1), amplitude (X2), Ultrasound assisted microfluidic reactor (USMR) temperature (X3), and micromixer confluence angle (X4) on selected two responses. Particle size (Y1) and encapsulation efficiency (% EE) (Y2) were the desired responses. The formulated FEB nanoparticles were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The minimum nanoparticle size, 7.156 nm with 0.22 polydispersity index (PDI) was attained for FEB-loaded polymer nano-sized particles. To investigate the drug release rate (% DR), fast-dissolving tablets of raw FEB and optimized FEB formulation were prepared. A 1.25-fold improvement in FEB solubility rate was experimentally achieved compared to raw FEB. No chemical interaction between the drug and polymer was observed using FTIR. Optimized FEB formulation showed a 92.94 % release rate of the drug in 90 min with 91.70 % EE.

Manufacturing of emulsion type garlic paste: Characterization of rheological properties as affected by lecithin, guar gum, and olive oil using steady, dynamic, and three interval thixotropy tests

AbstractThe objective of this work was to investigate the steady, dynamic mechanical properties, and 3 interval thixotropy test (3 ITT) characterization of emulsion type garlic paste prepared with different concentrations of lecithin, guar gum, and olive oil. A three factor and three level Box Behnken design of response surface methodology was used to specify the physicochemical, steady shear, viscoelastic and deformation and recovery properties (applying 3 ITT) of paste. Garlic paste samples showed non‐Newtonian shear thinning behavior and Herchel–Bulkley model was fitted to the data satisfactorily (R2 > 0.85). Dry matter contents were in the range of 37.13%–41.14% depending on the processing variables. Dynamic mechanical spectrum showed that the garlic paste was weak gel having dominant viscous behavior compared to elastic behavior. Three interval thixrotropy test showed that the samples showed partial recovery after deformation due to the weak gel like character. Optimization showed that the maximum consistency (114.6 Pa sn) would be at 2.11 g lecithin, 0.11 g guar gum and 14.96 mL olive oil while the minimum value (49.16 Pa sn) would be at 1.02 g lecithin, 0.11 g guar gum, and 5.81 mL olive oil. Overall, the findings of this investigation revealed that the physicochemical and rheological characteristics of garlic paste can be significantly influenced by the concentrations of lecithin, guar gum, and olive oil. It is crucial to carefully select the appropriate concentration levels to achieve the desired quality of garlic paste.Practical applicationsGarlic is one the most popular vegetables consumed by the people due to its characteristic taste and aroma. Because of its functional properties, garlic is also used as an additive for food formulation. In this study, garlic is used for the production of garlic paste which could be used for food formulations as a taste enhancer or salad aromatizer. Accurate and dependable rheological data play a crucial role in designing flow processes, assessing the deformation and recovery rates of substances during various engineering operations and preparation of new food formulations. In this context, we developed a predictive model by response surface methodology which estimates physico‐chemical and rheological properties of garlic paste samples. Therefore, this study holds significant importance in terms of estimating the physicochemical and rheological properties of garlic paste for food manufacturers.

CFD-PB studies on effect of internals on specific interfacial area in a pulsed sieve plate columns

A CFD model coupled with population balance equations is developed to systematically study the effects of column internals on specific interfacial area generated in a pulsed sieve plate column (PSPC). The model has been validated against experimental data on holdup and Sauter mean drop diameter in laboratory scale PSPCs of different geometries. The column internals comprised of sieve plates with varying hole diameter, fractional open area and interplate spacing. Typically the standard sieve plate cartridge is characterised by sieve plates (3.2 mm diameter sieve holes with an fractional open area of 23%) placed 50 mm apart. A systematic response surface methodology has been adopted to determine the relative importance of these parameters on specific interfacial area. 3 factor 3 level Box Behnken design has been adopted. Specific interfacial area decreases with an increase in sieve hole diameter, interplate spacing and open area. Sieve hole diameter is found to be the most significant parameter affecting specific interfacial area. Important hydrodynamic variables like flow velocities in continuous and dispersed phases and how column internals affect them are also discussed.

Development and optimization of film forming non-pressurized liquid bandage for wound healing by Box-Behnken statistical design

The goal of the current investigation was to develop a non-pressurized liquid bandage to promote the healing of wounds by using silver sulfadiazine. A three-factor three level box-behnken statistical design was employed to optimize the drug-loaded liquid bandage. Film-forming liquid bandage was developed by using ethyl-cellulose, dibutyl sebacate, and glycerol. For optimization, ethyl cellulose, dibutyl sebacate, and isopropyl myristate were taken as independent variables while tensile strength, water vapor absorption value, and drying time were taken as dependent variables. The film-forming liquid bandage was evaluated for various parameters like tensile strength, water vapor absorption value, drying time, viscosity, pH, in-vitro drug release studies, in-vivo wound healing studies, and stability studies. The optimized formulation was found with the tensile strength of 68.24 ± 0.24 MPa, water vapor absorption value of 2.00 ± 0.25 %, drying time of 1.75 ± 0.14 min, viscosity of 60 ± 0.5 cPs, pH of 6.0 ± 0.5 and good physicochemical properties with satisfactory film-forming ability. The in-vitro study shows that the release of test formulations was better than the marketed formulation. After 6 h of study, the liquid bandage and marketed formulation showed 41.02 % and 29.32 % of drug release respectively. Significant results were obtained for the in-vivo wound healing studies. Upon comparison with the control group (2.61 mm) and marketed formulation (1.44 mm), rats treated with the optimized formulation exhibited a noticeable improvement in wound contraction (0.8 mm). The liquid bandage after three months of stability testing was found to be stable with optimum. The film-forming liquid bandage was found to be an effective alternative to conventional topical preparations as it develops a thin polymeric layer on the wound and the skin around it and improves comfort for the patient by protecting the wound from external factors and physical harm.

Optimization of supercritical fluid extraction of polar flavonoids from Robinia pseudoacacia L. heartwood

The black locust, known as an invasive species, represent many advantages, mainly due to its rapid growth rate and its richness with interesting flavonoids. In this study, supercritical fluid extraction of the two main flavonoids dihydrorobinetin and robinetin, was optimized using a three level Box-Behnken response surface design. The conditions investigated to influence the extraction yield of these flavonoids were temperature (40–80 °C), pressure (10–20 MPa) and modifier’s percentage EtOH:H2O 80:20 (10 %−30 %). The response was quantified using an UHPLC-DAD optimized chromatographic method. The results showed the influence of the extraction conditions on the yield of the molecules of interest. The data were fitted into a second-order polynomial equation, the multiple regression analysis showed a high determination coefficient value (R2) of 0.93. The optimal extraction conditions were 10 MPa, 80 °C and extraction phase composition of CO2:EtOH:H2O 80:16:4 for 30 min. These conditions allowed for the recovery 49.2 mg of flavonoids for 1 g of dried wood powder.

Ultrasonically Fabricated Beta-Carotene Nanoemulsion: Optimization, Characterization and Evaluation of Combinatorial Effect with Quercetin on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat Model.

Diabetes mellitus (D.M.) is a metabolic disease that has affected over 500 million people globally. Bioactive compounds such as β-carotene and Quercetin have gained research interest for their potential antidiabetic properties, and bioactives have reported superior combinatorial effects in several ailments, including D.M. However, poor oral bioavailability has limited their potential application. Thus, the present study was focused on developing ultrasonically fabricated β-Carotene nanoemulsion (βC-NE) by employing capmul as the oil phase, Gelucire 44/14 as surfactant and Acconon MCM C8 as co-surfactant. The 3 factor- 3 level Box-Behnken design (BBD) was applied to optimise the βC-NE and study the impact of selected independent variables such as % Smix (5 to 9%), amplitude (20-30%) and sonication time (2.5-7.5 min) on responses including globule size (G.S.), poly dispersibility Index (PDI) and entrapment efficiency (E.E.). Further, the combinatorial effect of βC-NE with Quercetin Nanoemulsion (QU-NE) in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model was evaluated. The results exhibited that 7% Smix at 25% amplitude for 5 min produced βC-NE with a droplet size of 153.1 ± 12.25 nm, 0.200 ± 0.04 PDI, and 73.25 ± 3.25% E.E. The βC-NE showed superior in-vivo bioavailability by 5.38 folds. The βC-NE, combined with QU-NE, exhibited potential therapeutic benefits in controlling body weight, blood sugar level, lipid levels, and tissue damage markers. Additionally, the pancreatic cells and hepatic cells were well protected. These results demonstrate the potential benefits of βC-NE and QU-NE in combination and recommend them as a substitute strategy for diabetes.

Nose to brain delivery of donepezil through surface modified NLCs: Formulation development, optimization, and brain targeting study

The research was aimed to formulate the Donepezil (DPZ)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and coated with chitosan (CH) for brain targeting through the intranasal route. NLCs were prepared by homogenization & sonication technique and optimized by three factors-three levels Box-Behnken design (BBD). The composition of DPZ-loaded CH-NLCs was established by using a mixture of Compritol & Capryol 90 as lipid, poloxamer 188 as a surfactant, and CH as a coating agent. The effect of formulation factors was evaluated on particle size, entrapment efficiency, and polydispersity index (PDI). Finally, ex-vivo permeation, in-situ perfusion as well as in-vivo study was conducted on albino Wistar rats for the detection of pharmacokinetic and neuropharmacokinetic parameters like drug targeting efficiency (% DTE), nose to brain drug transport percentage (DTP), etc of the optimized formulation. Optimized formulation (DPZ-CH-NLCs-OPT2) exhibited an acceptable particle size (192.5 ± 7.3 nm) with 89.85 ± 2.17% entrapment efficiency, 0.298 ± 0.021 PDI, and 38.9 mV zeta potential and particles were spherical shape as shown by TEM. DSC thermogram displayed that the drug existed in amorphous form within the NLCs matrix. Permeability coefficient (Papp) of DPZ-CH-NLCs-OPT2 formulation (10.14 ± 1.73 × 10−3 cm h−1) was two folds than DPZ-Sol (4.55 ± 1.18 × 10−3 cm h−1). The nasal absorption rate constant for DPZ-CH-NLCs-OPT2 (1.4 × 10−3 h−1) was found to be significantly higher than DPZ-Sol (0.5 × 10−3 h−1). The bioavailability of DPZ-CH-NLCs was 2.02 fold than that of DPZ-Sol administered intranasally and 2.41 fold than DPZ-CH-NLCs administered via the intravenous route. Efficient brain targeting and targeting potential was observed as showed by DTE (321.21%) and DTP (74.55%) after intranasal administration of DPZ-CH-NLCs as compared to DPZ-Sol (DTE 158.52% and DTP 36.92%). From the findings, it could be concluded that DPZ-CH-NLCs might be an effective strategy for the brain targeting of DPZ through the intranasal route for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Design, Formulation, Optimization and In-vitro Evaluation of Colon-targeted Tablet Utilizing Polymer Isolated from Artocarpus heterophyllus

Objective: The objective of the present study is to formulate, optimize, and evaluate the colon-targeted oral Tablet by utilizing the polymer obtained from Artocarpus heterophyllus. Ibuprofen was used as a model drug in the study. Methods: The Polymer was extracted from the fresh fruits of Artocarpus heterophyllus and subjected to identification and characterization. The formula of the Tablet was optimized using 3 factors 3 levels Box-Behnken design (Design Expert Software). The colon-targeted Tablets were then formulated and coated with pH-dependent polymer to avoid release in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Results: Pre-compression and post-compression characteristics of the Tablet were studied which were within the standard limits.

Valorization of sugar beet molasses powder by microwave and ultrasound‐assisted extractions of bioactive compounds: An optimization study

Sugar beet molasses is one of the most important by-products of the sugar industry. The present study investigates the optimization of microwave-assisted (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted (UAE) extraction conditions of sugar beet molasses powder in terms of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), free radical scavenging activity of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). A three factor, and three level Box–Behnken design was used to optimize microwave power, extraction time, and methanol concentration conditions for MAE and ultrasound amplitude, extraction time, and methanol concentration for UAE. The optimal MAE parameters were a microwave power of 420 W, an extraction time of 70 s, and a methanol concentration of 30%. For UAE, an amplitude level of 90%, an extraction time of 300 s, and a methanol concentration of 46% were determined as optimal conditions. Novelty impact statement Sugar beet molasses is one of the most important by-products of sugar production. Giving the molasses in powder form is practical in many ways, for example, in use, storage, and sampling. There is no other study in which ultrasound and microwave-assisted extraction using RSM has been optimized to extract bioactive components from sugar beet molasses powder. This study demonstrated that microwave-assisted extraction is a more effective method for extracting bioactive compounds from sugar beet molasses powder than ultrasound-assisted extraction.

Formulation and evaluation of embelin loaded nanoliposomes: Optimization, in vitro and ex vivo evaluation

The present research work designed to prepare and optimize Embelin (EMB) loaded liposomes. The liposomes were prepared by solvent evaporation method and optimized using 3-factors at 3- levels Box-Behnken design (Design-Expert software., Version 12, Stat-Ease, USA). The effect of independent variables was taken as Leciva-S70 (X1), cholesterol (X2), sonication time (X3) and their individual as well combined effects were observed on vesicle size (Y1), entrapment efficiency (Y2), and in-vitro release (Y3). The optimized formulation (EMB-NLop) was further characterized for drug release, DPPH assay, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and ex-vivo permeation study. EMB-NLop depicted the vesicle size of 70.36 nm, PDI (0.11), entrapment efficiency of 78.22 ± 0.93% and drug release of 86.41 ± 3.34%. A better antioxidant activity of 89.27% was found as compared to standard ascorbic acid. Ex-vivo permeation studies showed significantly enhanced permeation from EMB-NLop (75.02 ± 2.05%) than EMB suspension (34.56 ± 1.73%). Further, the CLSM image of the nasal mucosa suggested rhodamine B loaded EMB-NLop showed better penetration as compared to control (rhodamine B- solution). From all experimental data, it was concluded that EMB-NLop is a promising and effective formulation for intranasal delivery.

Delamination and surface roughness analysis of jute/polyester composites using response surface methodology: Consequence of sodium bicarbonate treatment

The present research work explores the consequence of eco-friendly sodium bicarbonate treatment on drilling behavior of jute fiber reinforced polyester composites. The fiber surface treatment was done by immersing the jute fibers in sodium bicarbonate solution (10 wt.%) for five days at room temperature. The raw and treated jute fiber composites were produced through compression molding process. The drilling behavior was expressed in terms of delamination factor (at entry and exit) and surface finish. The response surface methodology coupled with three factors—three levels Box–Behnken Design was used to study the interactive effects of process variables (drill diameter, feed, and cutting speed) on delamination factor and surface finish. Furthermore, the significance of the developed model was examined through analysis of variance. The chip morphology of the fabricated composites was examined to assess the quality of the drilled hole. The fractography analysis of the machined surface has also been carried using scanning electron microscopy. The outcomes revealed that the sodium bicarbonate treatment of jute fiber improved the machinability of the composites.

A Statistical Optimization of Convective Drying of Corn Kernels in a Fluidized Bed Dryer

Food storage is an essential process for food security and it needs to be free from any biological contamination. For the same, agriculture produce needs to be completely dried before sending for storage. The present work discusses a systematic approach to model drying parameters of corn kernels in a fluidized bed dryer. Experiments were designed according to a higher level Box-Behnken design combined with response surface methodology. Four parameters were chosen to vary namely: amount of corn kernels (50 -100 gm), temperature of drying (50 – 80⁰C), air velocity (6.01 – 8.08 m/s) and drying time (30 – 60 min) for experiments as well as for the model. The reduction of moisture content was determined after each experiment for understanding the behaviour of drying process. The model equations were obtained and surface response plots were generated in MATLAB to investigate the drying behaviour of corn kernels with all four parameters. Ultimately, this work represents the dependence of moisture removal on all four parameters chosen with efficient use of response surface methodology and Box-Behnken design. Analysis of variance confirmed that velocity of air and amount of corn are the most significant parameters along with temperature and time of drying. Optimum condition with the model were obtained as 50 gm of corn kernels, 80 ⁰C drying temperature, 8 m/sec velocity of air, and 60 min time of drying for 73.3 % of moisture from corn kernels.

Design and optimization of curcumin loaded nano lipid carrier system using Box-Behnken design

Herbal antioxidant like curcumin holds great potential to treat neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer's disease. However, its therapeutic potency is obstructed due to rapid metabolism, poor solubility, GI susceptibility, enzymatic degradation and lower bioavailability. Thus, the present work aimed to design and optimize curcumin-loaded NLC (CNL) with higher drug entrapment, prolonged release and better stability. CNL was prepared by modified melt emulsification method followed by ultrasonication. The formulation was optimized by 3 factor 3 level Box-Behnken design using solid: liquid lipid, surfactant concentration and ultrasonication time as independent variable while particle size, entrapment efficiency and % drug release as dependant variable. The design suggested 3.092 solid:liquid lipid, 2.131% surfactant and 4.757 min ultrasonication fit best to get the optimized formulation. The size of the optimized CNL was noted 124.37 ± 55.81 nm, which is in the acceptable range for brain delivery. SEM results also comply with this size range (near 150 nm) and demonstrated almost spherical and uniform particles with porous and uneven surface structures. PDI, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency and % drug release were observed as 0.201 ± 0.00, − 17.2 ± 2.35 mV, 93.62 ± 0.68% and 92.73 ± 0.06%, respectively. The NLC demonstrated initial burst release with subsequent prolonged release of drug for 48 h. Weibull kinetic equation with 0.9958 R2, minimum AIC and maximum MSC value was found best fit to explain the release behavior. The β exponent and diffusional coefficient (n) indicated combined release mechanism with Fickian diffusion as drug release mechanism. Formulation was also found stable at different storage condition.

Statistically optimized pentazocine loaded microsphere for the sustained delivery application: Formulation and characterization.

Pentazocine (PTZ) is a narcotic analgesic used to manage moderate to severe, acute and chronic pains. In this study, PTZ loaded Ethyl cellulose microsphere has been formulated for sustained release and improved bioavailability of PTZ. These microspheres were fabricated by oil in water emulsion solvent evaporation technique. A three factorial, three levels Box-Behnken design was applied to investigate the influence of different formulation components and process variables on the formulation response using the numeric approach through the design expert® software. All the formulations were characterized for the morphology, different physicochemical properties and the results were supported with the ANOVA analysis, three dimensional contour graphs and regression equations. The maximum percentage yield was 98.67% with 98% entrapment of PTZ. The mean particle size of the formulations ranges from 50–148μm, which directly relates to the concentration of polymer and inversely proportional to the stirring speed. SEM revealed the spherical shape of PTZ microspheres with porous structures. These are physically, chemically and thermally stable as confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and thermal gravimetric (TG) analysis respectively. The microspheres provided a sustained release of the PTZ for more than 12 hours, following zero order with fickian and non fickian diffusion. The results indicate that prepared microspheres can be a potential drug delivery system (DDS) for the delivery of PTZ in the management of pains.

WITHDRAWN: Dry sliding wear behaviour of aluminium metal matrix composite using response surface methodology

Dry sliding wear is one of the most important aspects to be considered for selecting the material for aerospace and automotive applications. A novel aluminium metal matrix composites (AMMCs) offer less specific wear rate (SWR) for various tribological applications. The intend of this research work is, Al7050 alloy incorporated with 12 wt% of zirconium dioxide (ZrO 2 ) particulate composite was synthesized via stir casting route and a pin-on-disc was used to performing the wear test. The experimental work was performed by considering three input wear control parameters such as load (10–30 N), disc velocity (1–3 m/s) and sliding distance (500–1500 m). By using response surface methodology (RSM), three parameters at three levels Box Behnken design (BBD) were used to formulate the experimental design. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that load exerted the main noteworthy parameter on SWR trailed by disc velocity. The surface and contour plots revealed that the SWR of produced composite augments with rising load at 30 N with disc velocity 2 m/s and a sliding distance of 1500 m. The confirmation test proved that the developed models are more accurate.

Production and optimization from Karanja oil by adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system and response surface methodology with modified domestic microwave

In this study, Karanja oil was investigated under different operating conditions such as Methanol: oil molar ratio, catalyst, Volume, and time with microwave power to produce the biodiesel. Four factors with three levels Box-Behnken response surface design (BBD) was used to optimize and investigate the effect of process variables on the biodiesel production. ANFIS tool was adopted for modelling and prediction. RSM and ANFIS models describe correlation coefficient of 0.85 and 0.95 respectively. The physico-chemical properties of Karanja oil methyl ester are characterized out using standard methods.

Java plum and amaltash seed biomass based bio-adsorbents for synthetic wastewater treatment.

Biomass of Java plum (JP) and amaltash (AT) seeds were employed to remove arsenic from synthetic wastewater, cost effectively. The prepared biomasses were characterized by FE-SEM, EDX, FTIR, XRD, and ICP techniques. Experimentation the optimization study has been carried out by using Design-software 6.0.8. Response surface methodology has been applied to design the experiments where we have used three factors and three levels Box-Behnken design (BBD). Arsenic removal ability of bio-sorbents was evaluated and optimized by varying pH, adsorbent dose concentration of arsenic in synthetic wastewater. For 2.5mg/L arsenic concentration and 80mg adsorbent dose at pH 8.8 Java plum seeds (JP) based bio-adsorbent removed ∼93% and amaltash seeds (AT) based bio-adsorbent removed ∼91% arsenic from synthetic wastewater. The adsorption behaviour better explained following Freundlich model (R2=0.99) compared to Temkin model (R2=0.986) for As (III) ions. The adsorption capacity was 1.45mgg-1 and 1.42mgg-1 for JP and AT, respectively after 80min under optimal set of condition. The adsorption kinetics was explained by either pseudo-first order model or Elovich model.

PAVO CRISTATUS FEATHER POWDER AS AN ECO-FRIENDLY AND LOW COST MATERIAL FOR MITIGATION OF Pb(II) IONS FROM WATER

Mitigation of Pb(II) ions from water using economic method is an important research area to combat the pollution due to lead ions Pb(II) in water as it have severe toxic effects in human beings. In present work, Pristine Pavo Cristatus feather powder (PCFP) has been employed for removal of Pb(II) ions and the process of adsorption was optimized through four level Box Behnken design (BBD) of response surface methodology (RSM) over a broad range of pH (3.0–9.0), initial lead ion concentration (20–100 mg/L), contact time (20–180 min) and temperature (297 K to 333 K). Different isotherms were applied to confirm the type of adsorption. Langmuir maximum removal efficiency was 121.95 mg/g for lead ions adsorption onto PCPF at optimal values of pH 6; adsorbent dose 20 mg/L; temperature 303 K and contact time 120 minutes obtained from batch studies. Pseudo-second-order reaction model showed good applicability for kinetic studies. Thermodynamic parameters were also evaluated to check feasibility and nature of adsorption. The optimal parameters obtained for maximum Pb(II) ions adsorption were at pH = 6.31, initial Pb(II) ion = 43.79 mg/L, contact time = 119.51 minutes and temperature = 59.67 oC. The experimental and predicted values were found to be in good agreement with each other.

Preparation and Evaluation of Emulsomes as a Drug Delivery System for Bifonazole

Abstract: Purpose: The main objective of present study is to evaluate the effect of various factors which have direct influence on the characteristic parameters of emulsomes formulation, so that optimized combination of factors can be find out which meet the high level of set desirability criteria. The present work is focused on the optimization of emulsomes formulation by applying Box-Behnken design (BBD) of experiment. Emulsomes are the modified form of emulsomes which consists of solid lipid core surrounded by phospholipid bilayer. Methods: Emulsomes were prepared by lipid film hydration method using Phosphatidylcholine (PHL), Tristearin (TRI), Stearylamine (STR), Cholesterol (CHOL) and Bifonazole as drug candidate. Formulations were optimized by using three factor three levels Box-Behnken (BBD) design of experiment. BBD was applied considering 3 factors as independent variables viz. Phospholipid ratio to Drug (A), Phospholipid to Tristearin ratio (B) and Phospholipid ratio to Stearylamine (C) at 3 levels (-1, 0, +1) to study their effect on dependent variables viz. Particle size (Y1), Zeta Potential (Y2) and Entrapment efficiency (Y3). Results of independent variables (A, B, C) were analysed to construct quadratic equation and 3-D response surface curves for each dependent variable (Y1, Y2, Y3). Results: The optimized formulation was selected on the basis of desirability criteria of minimum particle size, maximum zeta potential and maximum entrapment efficiency. The final optimized formulation has predicted particle size (390.394 nm), zeta potential (45.0mV) and entrapment efficiency (81.642%). Conclusion: BBD is remarkable design of experiment for studying the effect of 3-factors at 3-levels on the responses in optimizing the emulsomes formulation. Key words: Box-Behnken Design (BBD), Emulsomes, Bifonazole, Phospholipid, Stearylamine, Tristearin.