Development of Pomegranate Extract-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Quality by Design Approach to Screen the Variables Affecting the Quality Attributes and Characterization

[Image: see text] The aim of this work was to study the influence of process variables on the quality attributes of pomegranate extract loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (PE-SLNs) using Plackett–Burman design. PE-SLN formulations were prepared by hot homogenization followed by ultra-sonication technique and evaluated based on the dependent variables that were analyzed utilizing Statgraphics Centurion XV software. The lipid and surfactant (type and concentration), co-surfactant concentration, sonication time, and amplitude were selected as the independent variables (X(1)–X(7)). The dependent parameters were particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and cumulative drug release (Y(1)–Y(5)). Response surface plots, Pareto charts, and mathematical equations were generated to study the influence of independent variables on the dependent quality parameters. Out of seven variables, X(1), X(2), and X(6) have the main significant (p value < 0.05) effect on the entrapment efficiency, the cumulative drug release, the polydispersity index, respectively, while particle size was mainly affected by X(3), X(6) and zeta potential by X(1), X(3), and X(4). Consequently, this screening study revealed that stearic acid as lipid, Tween 80 as surfactant, as well as sonication with short time and high amplitude can be selected for the development of PE-SLN formulation with minimum particle size, maximum zeta potential, highest entrapment, and sustained drug release behavior. Meanwhile, concentrations of lipid, surfactant, and co-surfactant are planned to be scaled up for further optimization study. In conclusion, the Plackett–Burman design verified its influence and significance in determining and understanding both process and formulation variables affecting the quality of PE-SLNs.