Mechanical Design Optimization of Capsaicin Extract-Loaded Topical Films Using Design of Experiments Approach

Abstract

We evaluated and optimized the mechanical characteristics of capsaicin extract-loaded topical films using the Design-Expert® software version 11. Dependent variables included UTS, elongation at break, and folding endurance, whereas independent variables included EC, capsaicin extracts, and TEC. While a quadratic model provided a more accurate prediction of elongation at break, the best linear correlation was found for both UTS and folding endurance. The DoE estimated that the proportion of EC, capsaicin extracts, and TEC would be 2.3: 1.4: 2.4. The model was proved to be acceptable for forecasting results inside the design space without the requirement for additional trials by demonstrating that the ratio's value of prediction was more than 4. UTS, elongation at break, and folding endurance experimental values were 70.50±4.53 MPa, 41.10±10.18%, and 101±6 folds, respectively. The calculated percent errors were 9.25%, 9.20%, and 9.49%, respectively. The DoE from Design-Expert® software successfully proved a low percent error of the prediction—less than 10%—and this was satisfactory and accepted for designing in drug delivery systems.