Formulation and optimization of simvastatin loaded nanostructured lipid carriers using central composite design

Background: This study aimed to formulate and optimize simvastatin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers using central composite design. The concentrations of stearic acid, olive oil, and surfactant were designated as independent variables. The dependent variables nominated were particle size, zeta potential, and % entrapment efficiency. Methodology: Simvastatin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers were prepared using the solvent-injection method. Polynomial equations were used to forecast the quantifiable impact of independent factors at various levels on response variables. It was found that the curvature effect was substantial and that the model was nonlinear. To optimize, the study employed the central composite design. Results & Discussions: Studies using DSC and FT-IR showed that the drug and excipients were compatible. The particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential values of all formulations were within the range of 133.8-460.7 nm, 0.215-0.460, and -28.3 to -32.1, respectively. The study's outcomes confirmed that olive oil significantly affects particle size and % entrapment efficiency. The relationships between the independent variables and the dependent variables were elucidated using contour plots. The experimental results and the model's predicted values were reasonably close; the statistical model can be considered mathematically valid. Conclusion: The outcomes confirmed the efficacy of the proposed design for developing simvastatin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers with optimized properties.