Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to screen factors affecting Albendazole nanocrystals.

Method: The albendazole nanocrystals were fabricated by antisolvent precipitation followed by spray drying technique. A Plackett and Burman screening design methodology was employed to evaluate the effects of the process and formulation parameters on the % yield and dissolution efficiency.

Results: The % yield varied from 48.16 to 66.52% and the dissolution efficiency varied from 67.80 to 78.12. Considering the statistical analysis of the results, it appeared that the aspiration and concentration of drug solution in organic phase were the most important factors affecting the % yield of formulation. The stirring speed and concentration of polymer solution in aqueous phase showed significant effect on dissolution efficiency. TEM study showed nano sized particles.

Conclusion: This study revealed the potential of Plackett and Burman design to screen the process and formulation variables affecting properties of albendazole nanocrystals.

Keywords: Albendazole, dissolution efficiency, nano crystals, Plackett and Burman design, screening design, pray drying.

Graphical Abstract