Nanoliposome Precursors for Shape Modulation: Use of Heuristic Algorithm and QBD Principles for Encapsulating Phytochemicals

Background: Screening of multiple methods is worthless for formulators due to material losses, wastage of time, and expenditures. It is imperative to make a quick decision. Objective: The present investigation describes the systematic approach to select the best suitable method for the development of nanoliposomes (NL), the precursor of nanocochleates encapsulating curcumin using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Methods: Pair-wise comparison matrices were used to achieve the overall priority weight and ranking for the selection of appropriate technique. Furthermore, Plackett-Burman screening Design (PBD) was exploited to investigate specific effects of associated formulation and process variables on particle size (Y1), drug content (Y2), and entrapment efficiency (Y3), while fabricating NL. Results: Results revealed the reliability of the pair-wise comparison matrices and selected the ethanol injection method with the highest priority weight (0.337). Bland-Altman plot and control chart validated the results of AHP. The preparation of vesicles with the preferred diameter and size distribution was essentially fulfilled. Stirring speed (X5), amount of phospholipid (X4), and cholesterol (X8) showed significant influence (p<0.05) on Y1 and Y3, PBD revealed. These factors can be further optimized using the design of experiments. Conclusion: AHP being an effective tool, has assisted in selecting the best alternative for fabricating NL, whilst PBD enabled a clear understanding of the effects of diverse formulation variables on responses studied. Results ensure that NL is a riveting candidate for modulating effectively into tailormade diverse shaped nanoformulations for further in vitro and in vivo studies.