FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ASTAXANTHIN LOADED SELF NANO EMULSIFYING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM (SNEDDS)

Aim and Objective: SNEDDS (Self Nano Emulsifying Drug Delivery System) is an isotropic mixture of oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant which forms nanoemulsions spontaneously when comes in contact with gastric fluid thereby increasing the solubility of active substances. Astaxanthin is one of the active substances having low solubility so it suits well with this nanoformulation. This study aims to formulate and characterize Astaxanthin SNEDDS. Methods: This research is a laboratory experimental research using spontaneous emulsification method. Results: Astaxanthin SNEDDS was made in 3 formulations by using the ratio of surfactants and co-surfactants that were characterized to produce a transmittance value of F1 91%, F2 90%, and F3 95%, with a particle size of F1 183.75 nm with a PDI 0.272, F2 195.25 nm with a PDI 0.341, and F3 105.75 nm with a PDI 0.392. The entrapment efficiency (%EE) of Astaxanthine SNEDDS was found to be as follows; F1, F2, and F3 had 94.62, 94.35, and 95.57% EE respectively. The results showed that F3 with a surfactant concentration of 72% and co-surfactant 18% was the best formula in forming SNEDDS. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the higher the surfactant concentration, the greater its ability to reduce the interfacial tension of the oil droplets so as to obtain small particle sizes and high entrapment efficiency values. Peer Review History: Received: 1 May 2022; Revised: 9 June; Accepted: 3 July, Available online: 15 July 2022 Academic Editor: Dr. Nuray Arı, Ankara University, Turkiye, ari@ankara.edu.tr Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Dr. Sally A. El-Zahaby, Pharos University in Alexandria, Egypt, sally.elzahaby@yahoo.com Dr. Mohamed Salama, Modern University for Technology & Information, Egypt, salama47@yahoo.co