Comparison of Box-Behnken and central composite designs in optimization of fullerene loaded palm-based nano-emulsions for cosmeceutical application

•Nano-emulsions act as a biocompatible carrier for fullerene.•The stable nano-emulsions system exhibited small particle size and high ζ-potential.•The nano-emulsions' compositions were optimized using response surface methodology.•Comparison of central composite and Box-Behnken designs in finding optimal formulation.

Box-Behnken (BBD) and central composite rotatable designs (CCRD) were used as statistical multivariate methods in the formulation optimization of fullerene loaded nano-emulsions. Effect of palm kernel oil ester (10-20%, w/w), emulsifier (5-10%, w/w) and xanthan gum (0.6-1.0%, w/w) as formulation variables on the particle size, ζ-potential and viscosity of the nano-emulsions were investigated. Under the optimum conditions, CCRD model predicted the response values for particle size, ζ-potential and viscosity were 153.6 nm, −53.4 mV and 42.1 Pa s, respectively. Nonetheless, BBD model suggested that the optimum conditions for a fullerene loaded nano-emulsion would gave particle size, ζ-potential and viscosity of 151.6 nm, −53.8 mV and 43.1 Pa s, respectively. The actual response according to suggested compositions for both models showed excellent agreement with the predicted value with residual standard error (RSE) of less than 4%. Optimum nano-emulsions were stable during storage at 25 and 45 °C for 90 days and freeze-thaw cycle.

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