Utilizing response surface methodology for optimizing the synthesis of quercetin-loaded niosome by ethanol injection method

Abstract Recent studies have delved into the emerging realm of lipid-based nanomaterials (LNPs), with a specific focus on formulations for dermal applications. Niosomes, with their diminutive size and controlled release capacity, are explored as promising carriers for dermal delivery systems. Quercetin is well known as a potent antioxidant recognized for its skin benefits but challenged by limited solubility. To overcome this hurdle, the study introduces the integration of the ethanol injection method accompanied by response surface methodology (RSM)-central composite design (CCD) to optimize quercetin-loaded niosomes. The approach streamlines the formulation design process, providing an efficient and systematic approach for developing optimal cosmetic formulas with reduced experimentation. The results highlight the critical, independent factors, such as the cholesterol content (ratio of 1.7589, equivalent to 204.03 mg) and surfactant content (ratio of 1.8375, equivalent to 1687.10 mg), with tween 60 chosen as the surfactant. Under the optimal conditions, the synthesized niosomes exhibit an actual efficiency of 50.08% ± 0.31% and an average size of 47.0 ± 2.9 nm. Notably, the model demonstrates the precise predictive capability of the RSM-CCD method in optimizing the investigated parameters, offering valuable insights for future studies and applications in LNPs’ formation towards dermal formulations.