Optimization of solid self-dispersing micelle for enhancing dissolution and oral bioavailability of valsartan using Box-Behnken design

A novel solid self-dispersing micelle (S-SDM) was developed to enhance the oral bioavailability of valsartan (VST) and to reduce the total mass of solidified supersaturable self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SuSMEDDS), composed of Capmul MCM, Tween 80 (T80), Gelucire 44/14 (G44), Poloxamer 407, Florite PS-10 (FLO), and low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose B1 (HPC). Excluding oil component from S-SuSMEDDS, SSDM was optimized using a Box-Behnken design with three independent variables: X-1 (T80/G44, 0.63), X-2 (FLO/HPC, 0.41), and X-3 (solid carrier, 177.6 mg); and three response factors: Y-1 (droplet size, 191.9 nm), Y-2 (dissolution efficiency at 15 min, 55.0%), and Y-3 (angle of repose, 32.4'). The desirability function was 0.636, showing an excellent agreement between the predicted and experimental values. With approximately 75% weight of S-SuSMEDDS, no distinct crystallinity of VST was observed in S-SDM, resulting in critical micelle concentration value of 32 mu g/mL. Optimized S-SDM showed an approximate 4-fold improved dissolution (pH 1.2, 500 mL) compared with raw VST. Following oral administration in rats, optimized S-SDM improved relative bioavailability by approximately 235%, 216%, and 127% versus raw VST, Diovan (R) (commercial reference), and S-SuSMEDDS, respectively. Thus, optimized S-SDM could be a selectable candidate for developing water-insoluble drugs in reduced quantity.