Empowering Topical Delivery: Box Behnken Design Optimization of Posaconazole Microsponge Hydrogel for Improved Management of Fungal Infections

This study aimed to prepare posaconazole (PNZ) microsponges and formulate them into a hydrogel, optimizing the drug-polymer ratio and other parameters using Design Expert’s box behnken design. The microsponges were synthesized considering drug-polymer ratio, surfactant (PVA), and stirring speed as inputs, while the vesicular size and PNZ content were evaluated as dependent variables. The prepared microsponges were then merged into a hydrogel. Compatibility studies between the PNZ and excipients were conducted, and the physicochemical parameters of the microsponges and hydrogels were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate variance among the factors. Microsponges formulated with a polymer ratio of 1:1 with PNZ (PM-3) exhibited favorable attributes, including smaller vesicular size, drug content, high %yield, %entrapment, and superior PNZ discharge profile. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the round morphology and spongy assembly of PM-3 microsponges, indicating their suitability for PNZ loading and release. In-vitro release studies demonstrated rapid initial discharge followed by sustained release over 12 hours for PM-3, indicating potential for optimized PNZ delivery. Viscosity studies revealed a higher viscosity of PM-3 gel compared to conventional gel, potentially enhancing adherence to the skin surface and PNZ absorption. Additionally, PM-3 exhibited superior antifungal activity in disk diffusion assays, indicating effective control of fungal growth. This study successfully developed PNZ-loaded microsponge hydrogels, showing promising utility in treating fungal infections. PM-3 formulation demonstrated superior characteristics, suggesting its potential for optimized PNZ delivery and therapeutic outcomes.

Optimal Precision Decocting Process of Codonopsis Radix through Combination of AHP-Entropy Weight Method and Box-Behnken Design-Response Surface Method / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To optimize the granularity and decocting process of Codonopsis Radix decoction.Methods Adding water,soaking time and decoction time were set as examine factors,and flavonoids,total polysaccharides,and extract yield were set as the indexes,AHP-entropy weight method combined with the Box-Behnken design-response surface method were used to determine the best particle size and the technological parameters of Codonopsis Radix decoction.Results The optimum size of precise Codonopsis Radix decoction was 4.00-4.75 mm(4-5 mesh);the optimum decocting process was 13 times the amount of water added;the soaking time was 15 min;the decocting time was 10 min.Conclusion The granularity of Codonopsis Radix decocting powder optimized in this study is scientific and reasonable,which is suitable for practical production.The established decocting process is convenient,reasonable and feasible,and provides a theoretical basis for the industrial production of decocting powder.

Study on extraction technology of Sophora flavescens-Phellodendron chinense drug pair / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To study the extraction technology of Sophora flavescens-Phellodendron chinense drug pair and provide a reference for the development of new drugs for the treatment of anorectal diseases. METHODS Using the contents of total alkaloids of S. flavescens （matrine+oxymatrine）， berberine hydrochloride and total flavonoid， and extract yield as evaluation indicators， analytic hierarchy process-entropy weight method was used to calculate the weight coefficient of each indicator， and was combined with Box-Behnken design-response surface method to study the extraction technology of S. flavescens-P. chinense drug pair and verify it. RESULTS The optimal extraction technology of S. flavescens-P. chinense drug pair was immersed in 12-fold amount of 58% ethanol for 30 minutes and extracted twice， each time for 120 minutes. The relative error between the verification experimental results and the predicted value was 1.88%. CONCLUSIONS The obtained extraction technology is stable and feasible and can provide reference for the application of S. flavescens-P. chinense drug pair and development of new drugs.

Optimization of extraction process and antioxidant activity of total phenolic acids from Cibotii rhizoma / 中国药师

Objective To optimize the extraction process of total phenolic acids from Cibotii rhizoma using Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology and evaluate antioxidant activity of total phenolic acid in vitro.Methods Taking the liquid-solid ratio,ethanol concentration and extraction temperature as influencing factors,and the extraction rate of total phenolic acids as evaluation indicator,the extraction process of total phenolic acids from Cibotii rhizoma was optimized using a three-factor and three-level Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology on the basis of single factor tests.Meanwhile,the scavenging effects of total phenolic acid extract from Cibotii rhizoma on ABTS·+and DPPH· was determined.Results The optimized extraction process for total phenolic acids from Cibotii rhizoma was as follows:the ethanol concentration of 55％,the extraction temperature of 88℃ and the liquid-solid ratio of 60∶1 mL/g.Under these conditions,the extraction rate could reach 8.67％.When the mass concentration of total phenolic acids extract were 2 mg/mL and 1 mg/mL,the clearance rates of ABTS·+and DPPH·were 92.76％and 88.66％,respectively.Conclusion The theoretical values obtained from the response surface optimization method are consistent with the actual measured values,and the extraction process of total phenolic acids from Cibotii rhizoma was simple and feasible.The total phenolic acids extract from Cibotii rhizoma exhibit strong antioxidant activity in vitro.

Design, Optimization and Characterization of Metformin Hydrochloride Loaded Biodegradable Microspheres using Box Behnken design for Local Delivery in Periodontitis

In the present study, metformin hydrochloride loaded microspheres were prepared for filling into the periodontal pockets with or without grafts for the treatment of periodontitis. For this purpose, chitosan was chosen as polymer and used at different drug/polymer ratios in preparation of microspheres by emulsion cross-linking method. Optimization was carried out by implementing three-factor three-level Box–Behnken design. Mathematical models were generated by regression analysis for responses of particle size (PS) and entrapment efficiency (EE). The experimental design took into account for the preparation of optimized formulation with maximum %EE and minimum PS at optimum process conditions for the microsphere formulation by reduction in chemical use and formulation time, in an economical way. The optimized formulation was selected on the basis of the desirability function and was further evaluated with respect to the particle size, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and surface morphology studies. The results of release studies were evaluated kinetically and statistically. Particle size and entrapment efficiency of the selected batch were found to be in the range of 40.2- 59.6µm and 85- 95% respectively. The DSC studies revealed molecular dispersion and conversion of the drug into amorphous form. Surface morphology of microspheres was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and found to be spherical in shape with smooth surface. The mean particle size, EE, and in-vitro drug release of the optimized batch were found to be 51.4 ± 4.8µm, 96.5± 1.42%, and 79.8 ± 3.1% respectively. The release kinetics showed that the release followed the Peppas model, and the main mechanism of drug release was diffusion. These sustained release chitosan microspheres could be a promising drug delivery system for local delivery of metformin hydrochloride in the treatment of periodontitis.

Design and In-vivo Evaluation of Quercetin Nanosponges-based Buccal Tablets of Quercetin

The objective was to increase the bioavailability of quercetin by creating a controlled release formulation using nanosponges based on cyclodextrin. A 3-factor, 3-level Box-Behnken design with quercetin was loaded into nanosponges using the freeze-drying process based on the early testing. The prepared nanosponges were examined after being described and made into tablets. The quercetin-loaded nanosponges have particle sizes ranging from 36.45 to 135.27 nm, encapsulation efficiencies ranging from 42.37 to 88.44%, and drug release percentages at 6 hours ranging from 53.04 to 82.64%. The Quercetin interaction with nanosponges was validated by the FTIR, DSC, and XRD investigations. The medicine released from the nanosponges buccal tablets in vitro at a rate of 99.75 percent, and stability testing showed no significant changes within six months after the nanosponges were transformed into tablets. In-vivo studies in rats showed that quercetin optimised nanosponges tablets Cmax of 6.27±0.06 ng/ml was significantly higher (p<0.05) than the pure drug's Cmax of 3.07±0.086 ng /ml. Both the nanosponges tablet formulation and the pure drug suspension had Tmax values of 4.0±0.07 and 0.5±0.08 h, respectively. The nanosponges tablet formulation had a greater AUC0-infinity(38.54±0.65 ng.h/ml) than the pure drug suspension formulation 7.84±1.08 ng.h/ml. In comparison to the pure drug, the nanosponges tablet formulation had a considerably greater AUC0-t (p<0.05). Poorly soluble Quercetin tablets developed for regulated drug delivery shown enhanced complexing ability with increased bioavailability using cyclodextrin-based nanosponges.

A Novel Approach for the Treatment of Hypertension: Gastroretentive Microballoons of Atenolol

The formulation of atenolol-loaded microballoons involved the use of Eudragit RS 100, HPMC K4 M as a polymer, and span 80 as a surfactant. The microballoons were prepared by an emulsion solvent diffusion (non-aqueous) using liquid paraffin, methanol, and dichloromethane as a processing medium. The Box-Behnken design was utilized to get optimized formulation using a concentration of HPMC K4 M (A), Concentration of Eudragit RS 100 (B), Concentration of surfactant (C), and stirring speed (D) as an independent parameter while, Particle size (Y1), entrapment efficiency (Y2) and %buoyancy (Y3) using as a dependent parameter. For the optimised formulation, the mean particle size was 85.878 ± 1.063 ?m, entrapment efficiency was 92.26 ± 1.65%, and buoyancy was 89.19 ± 1.48% found. An image of the formulation taken using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) reveals discrete particles with a smooth surface texture, a hollow interior, a spherical shape, and a particle size of less than 200 ?m. The FTIR study confirms there was no interaction between the drug and excipients. The in-vitro drug release study found that atenolol-loaded microballoons released the drug for up to 12 hours as compared to the pure drug. This was due to increasing the gastric residence time and absorption area in the stomach. The drug release kinetic study reveals that it follows the Higuchi model and the drug release mechanism was type II transport which was obtained from the Korsmeyer Peppas model. The stability study shows that there is no significant change in the optimized microballoons for 30 days as per ICH guidelines.

Optimization of the medium and fermentation condition for the Penicillium aurantiocandidum Z12 strain with molluscicidal actions against Oncomelania hupensis / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To optimize the culture and fermentation conditions of the Penicillium aurantiocandidum Z12 strain, a fungal strain with molluscicidal actions against Oncomelania hupensis, so as to provide the basis for the research and development of molluscicidal active substances from the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain and its fermentation broth and large-scale fermentation. Methods The carbon source, nitrogen source and mineral salts were identified in the optimal culture medium for the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain with a single-factor experiment to determine the best fermentation condition for the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain. Factors that significantly affected the growth of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain were identified using the Plackett-Burman design, and the best range of each factor was determined using the steepest climb test. Response surface analyses of temperature, pH value, seeding amount and liquid-filling quantity were performed using the Box-Behnken design to create a regression model for fermentation of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain to identify the optimal culture medium. Results Single-factor experiment preliminarily identified the best culture medium and conditions for the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain as follows: sucrose as the carbon source at approximately 20 g/L, tryptone as the nitrogen source at approximately 5 g/L, K2HPO4 as the mineral salt at approximately 5 g/L, initial pH at approximately 8, temperature at approximately 28 °C, seeding amount at approximately 6%, and liquid-filling quantity at approximately 50 mL/100 mL. Plackett-Burman design showed that factors that significantly affected the growth of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain included temperature (t = −5.28, P < 0.05), seeding amount (t = 5.22, P < 0.05), pH (t = −4.30, P < 0.05) and liquid-filling quantity (t = −4.39, P < 0.05). Steepest climb test showed the highest mycelial growth at pH of 7.5, seeding amount of 8%, and liquid-filling quantity of 40 mL/100 mL, and this condition was selected as the central point of response surface analysis for the subsequent optimization of fermentation conditions. Response surface analyses using the Box-Behnken design showed that the optimal conditions for fermentation of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain included sucrose at 15 g/L, tryptone at 5 g/L, K2HPO4 at 5 g/L, temperature at 28.2 °C, pH at 7.5, seeding amount at 10%, and liquid-filling quantity at 35.8 mL/100.0 mL, resulting in 0.132 g yield of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain. Conclusion The optimal culture condition for the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain has been identified, and the optimized culture medium and fermentation condition may effectively improve the fermentation yield of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain.

Optimization of extraction process for classic prescription Yihuang Decoction based on Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology, standard relation, and analytic hierarchy process combined with entropy weight method / 中国中药杂志

Based on the concept of quality by design(QbD), the Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology combined with standard relation(SR) and analytic hierarchy process(AHP)-entropy weight method(EWM) was applied to optimize the extraction process of the classic prescription Yihuang Decoction. The content of geniposidic acid, phellodendrine hydrochloride, and berberine hydrochloride in Yihuang Decoction, the extract yield, and fingerprint similarity were used as the critical quality attributes(CQAs) of the extraction process. The extraction time, water addition, and extraction times were used as the critical process parameters(CPPs). After determining the levels of each factor and level through single-factor experiments, response surface experiments were designed according to the Box-Behnken principle, and the experimental results were analyzed. The SR between each sample and the reference sample under various evaluation indicators of different extraction parameters was calculated. The weights of the five evaluation indicators were determined using AHP-EWM, followed by comprehensive evaluation. A function model between CPPs and CQAs characterized by comprehensive scores was established to predict the optimal extraction process parameters. In the final comprehensive weight coefficients, the yield rate accounted for 43.1%, and the content of berberine hydrochloride, phellodendrine hydrochloride, and geniposidic acid accounted for 35.1%, 6.3%, and 15.5%, respectively. After comprehensive score analysis with SR, the established second-order polynomial model was statistically significant(P<0.01, and the lack of fit was not significant). The predicted optimal extraction conditions for Yihuang Decoction were determined as follows: 8-fold volume of water, extraction time of 1.5 h, and extraction once. The mean comprehensive score of the validation experiment was 85.77, with an RSD of 0.99%, and it met the quality control stan-dards for the reference sample of Yihuang Decoction. The results indicate that the optimized extraction process for Yihuang Decoction is stable and reliable, and the water extract is close in quality attributes to the reference sample. This can serve as a foundation for the research and development of granules in the future. Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology combined with SR and AHP-EWM can provide references for the modern extraction process research of other classic prescriptions.

Optimization of ethanol precipitation process of Nauclea officinalis extract based on concept of quality by design(QbD) / 中国中药杂志

The ethanol precipitation process of Nauclea officinalis extract was optimized based on the concept of quality by design(QbD). Single factor tests were carried out to determine the levels of test factors. The ethanol volume fraction, pre-ethanol precipitation drug concentration, and ethanol precipitation time were taken as critical process parameters(CPPs). With the comprehensive scores of strictosamide transfer rate and solid removal rate as the critical quality attributes(CQAs), Box-Behnken design was employed to establish the mathematical models and space design between CPPs and CQAs, and the obtained optimal operating space was validated. The optimal operating space included ethanol volume fraction of 65%-70%, pre-ethanol precipitation drug concentration of 22-27 mg·mL~(-1), and ethanol precipitation time of 12 h. Based on the concept of QbD, this study adopted the design space to optimize the ethanol precipitation process of N. officinalis extract, which provided a reliable theoretical basis for the quality control in the production process of N. officinalis preparations. Moroever, this study provided a reference value for guiding the research and industrial production of traditional Chinese medicines.

Optimization of extraction technology for Puji disinfection oral liquid based on combination of G1-entropy weight method and Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology / 中国药师

Objective To optimize the extraction process of Puji disinfection oral liquid.Methods Based on Box-Behnken design,the extraction process of volatile oil was optimized with the extraction rate of volatile oil as index.Based on Box-Behnken design combined with G1-entropy weight method,the extraction rate and dry extract rate of(R,S)-epigoitrin,hesperidin,baicalin,berberine hydrochloride and arctiin were used as indices to optimize the water extraction process.Results The optimum extraction conditions of volatile oil from Puji disinfection oral liquid were as follows:adding 10 times of water,soaking time of 1.5 h and extraction time of 5 h.The optimal water extraction process was as follows:10 times of water,1.8 h of extraction time and 2 times of extraction.Under the optimal extraction conditions,there was no significant difference among the three batches of verification tests.Conclusion The optimized extraction process is stable and feasible,which can provide the basis for the subsequent experimental study and industrial production of Puji disinfection oral liquid.

Bioconversion of glycerol waste to ethanol by Escherichia coli and optimisation of process parameters

Biofuel is one of the best ways to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Ever since commercial biodiesel production began, waste glycerol, the biodiesel byproduct, has gained researchers’ interest, especially its recycling. Here, we explored using glycerol residue (carbon source) as a substrate in the fermentation process for ethanol production by Escherichia coli K12 in anaerobic conditions. The factors affecting the ethanol production was optimised by response surface methodology (RSM). Significant variables that impact the ethanol concentration were pH, temperature and the substrate, with a statistically significant effect (P <0.05) on ethanol formation. The significant factor was analyzed by the Box-Behnken design. The optimum conditions for bioethanol formation using glycerol as substrate was obtained at pH 7 and temperature 37°C. The ethanol productivity was 0.77 g/L/h. The ethanol concentration of 9.2 g/L achieved from glycerol residue was close to the theoretical value with the fermentation achieved at optimised terms.

Preparation of curcumin nanocrystalline injection and evaluation of its in vivo and in vitro properties / 中国药科大学学报

@#In this study, the formulation and preparation process of curcumin nanocrystalline injection were optimized to improve curcumin dissolution rate and bioavailability in vivo.Media grinding method was used to prepare curcumin nanocrystals, and the particle size was used as the evaluation index.The Box-Behnken experimental design was used to optimize its formulation and preparation process, and to characterize its physical and chemical properties.In addition, the dissolution of nanocrystal with different particle sizes was investigated by the paddle method, and the pharmacokinetics in rats were studied.The experimental results showed that the optimal formula and process were obtained through Box-Behnken experimental design, and that uniform curcumin nanocrystals with an average particle size of 223.1 nm were obtained.The results of X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed that the crystal form was stable during the preparation of nanocrystals. In vitro dissolution experiments with different particle sizes showed that the dissolution rate and the degree of dissolution would increase if the particle size was smaller.Pharmacokinetic studies in rats showed that cmax and AUC0-∞ of curcumin nanocrystal injection were 4.9 and 4.1 times that of curcumin raw materials, respectively.In summary, the curcumin nanocrystal injection developed in this research have a stable preparation process and can significantly improve the dissolution rate and bioavailability of the drug, which provides some ideas for the research on curcumin preparation.

Optimization of the extraction technology of modified Tabusen- 2 and its inhibitory effects on osteoclast differen- tiation / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To optimize the extraction technology of modified Tabusen- 2（MT-2），and to investigate inhibitory effects of the extract obtained by the optimal technology on osteoclast differentiation. METHODS The index components of MT- 2 process optimization were selected by using network pharmacology. Based on single factor tests ，the extraction technology of MT- 2 was optimized by Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology according to the comprehensive score of contents of above index components ，and then validated. RAW 264.7 cells were induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand（100 ng/mL） to prepare osteoclast differentiation model. Inhibitory effects of MT- 2 extract（18.6，37.2，74.4 ng/mL）obtained by the optimal technology on osteoclast differentiation were investigated. RESULTS The index components screened by network pharmacology included chlorogenic acid ，terpineol diglucoside ，isochlorogenic acid A ，1，5-dicaffeoylquinic acid ，hydroxysafflower yellow A ， ginsenoside Rg 1 and ginsenoside Rb 1. The optimal extraction technology of MT- 2 was ethanol volume fraction of 60％ ，the solid-liquid ratio of 1 ∶ 14（g/mL），extraction time of 94 min and extraction times of twice. The average comprehensive score obtained by the three validation experiments was 95.50，and the relative error with the predicted value （95.75）was －0.26％. Compared with osteoclastic differentiation model cells ，the cells treated with MT- 2 extract prepared by the optimal technology were mostly mononuclear round cells ，and the number of osteoclasts decreased significantly （P＜0.05），its inhibitory effects tended to strengthen with the increase of drug concentration. CONCLUSIONS The optimal extraction technology of MT- 2 is stable and feasible. Obtained extract can inhibit osteoclast differentiation.

Optimization of the extraction technology of volatile components from Wuyao decoction / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To optimize the extraction technology of volatile components from Wuyao decoction. METHODS On the basis of single factor investigation ，the extraction technology of volatile components from Wuyao decoction was optimized and validated by Box-Behnken design-response surface technology using the contents of bomyl acetate ，cyperotundone，α-cyperone， ligustilide and dehydrocostuslactone ， extraction rate of volatile oil as indexes ， with extraction time ， soaking time and liquid-material ratio as factors. On this basis ，the extraction state of the decoction was quantified. RESULTS The optimal extraction technology was as followed ：the ratio of liquid -material was 13∶1（mL/g），soaking time was 0.5 h，and the extraction time was 6 h in the boiling state. The comprehensive scores of the three validation experiments were 0.948 7，0.948 4 and 0.948 6 respectively （RSD＝0.02％，n＝3），and the deviation from the predicted value （0.947 9）was no more than 1％. The boiling state of the decoction in 180 ℃ oil bath was taken as the sudden boiling state. CONCLUSIONS The optimized extraction technology is stable and feasible.

Optimization of preparation technology of baicalin lipid nano foam aerosol / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To optimize the pr eparation technology of the baicalin lipid nano foam aerosol （BC-LN-FA）. METHODS Baicalin lipid nanoparticle （BC-LN）and BC-LN-FA were prepared by the thin film dispersion method and homogeneous emulsification method ，respectively，using baicalin （BC） as the model drug. The preparation technology was optimized by Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology using particle size and encapsulation efficiency （EE）as indexes ，with dosage ， emulsifier dosage ，co-emulsifier dosage and homogenization time as factors. The morphology ，particle size ，polymerdispersity index（PDI），EE，the viscosity ，the foam dissolution rate and in vitro transdermal release of BC-LN-FA were characterized. RESULTS The optimal technology included 25 mg BC ，40 mg emulsifier （mass ratio of stearic acid-soybean lecithin-glycerol was 1∶1∶1），30 mg co-emulsifier （mass ratio of octadecanol-lactic acid was 1∶1），homogenization time of 20 min. Results of 3 times of validation tests showed that particle size of prepared BC-LN-FA was （151.70±2.40）nm，EE was （68.62±1.16）％；the deviation of them from the predicted value （particle size of 150.80 nm，EE of 67.02％）were 0.60％ and 2.39％ respectively. The BC-LN-FA prepared by the optimal process was light yellow opalescence ，uniform in particle size and round-like in shape. The viscosity，the foam dissolution rate ，the content of BC and PDI were （122.92±5.09）mPa·s，（65.32±3.22）％，（7.01±0.12）％ and（0.199±0.006），respectively. At 48 h，the cumulative release rates of BC-LN-FA in phosphate buffer saline （PBS）at pH 7.4， 6.8，5.0 were（54.12±2.69）％，（57.85±4.25）％ and（59.47±1.83）％，respectively；those of free BC in PBS at pH 7.4 was only （15.04±1.43）％. CONCLUSIONS The optimized technology is stable and feasible. Prepared BC-LN-FA has a uniform particle size，high digestion rate and certain viscosity.

Optimization of Ultrafiltration Technology of Enzymatic Hydrolysate from Eucommia ulmoides Peel / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To optim ize the ultrafiltration technology of enzymatic hydrolysate from Eucommia ulmoides peel. METHODS：The single factor test was adopted to investigate the effects of molecular weight of ultrafiltration membrane ，liquid temperature，operating pressure ，operating frequency ，membrane filtration time ，liquid concentration and pH on transfer rates of aucubin，geniposide and chlorogenic acid as well as solid removal rate in enzymatic hydrolysate from E. ulmoides peel. Setting the molecular cut off of fixed ultrafiltration membrane of 100 000，liquid concentration of 7 g/L，and pH value of 7，the ultrafiltration technology was optimized by Box-Behnken design response-surface methodology and validated with liquid temperature ，operating pressure，operating frequency and membrane passing time as factors ，using comprehensive scores calculated from transfer rates of aucubin，geniposide and chlorogenic acid as well as solid removal rate as indexes. RESULTS ：The optimal ultrafiltration technology of enzymatic hydrolysate from E. ulmoides peel was as follows as liquid temperature of 35 ℃，operating pressure of 0.5 MPa，operating frequency of 35 Hz and membrane passing time of 42 min. Results of validation tests showed that the comprehensive scores of the transfer rates of aucubin ，geniposide and chlorogenic acid as well as solid removal rate in enzymatic hydrolysate from E. ulmoides peel was 78.06％（RSD＝1.43％，n＝3），and its relative error with the predicted value （77.18％） was 1.14％. CONCLUSIONS ：The optimized ultrafiltration technology is stable and reliable ，and can be used for the ultrafiltration purification of enzymatic hydrolysate from E. ulmoides peel.

Optimization of the Extraction Technology of Phenolic Acid from Amomum tsaoko / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To opt imize the extraction technology of phenolic acid from Amomum tsaoko . METHODS ：The extraction technology of phenolic acid from A. tsaoko was optimized by using Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology with ethanol volume fraction ，liquid-solid ratio and extraction time as factors ，using the total contents of protocatechuic acid and vanillic acid as response value. The optimizd extraction technology was vlidated. RESULTS ：The optimal extraction technology was as follows ：ethanol volume fraction 65％，liquid-solid ratio 4∶1（mL/g），extraction time 2.5 h. After 3 times of validation tests ， average total content of protocatechuic acid and vanillic acid were 12.32 mg/g（RSD＝0.26 ％，n＝3），average relative error of which with predicted value （12.63 mg/g）was 2.45％. CONCLUSIONS ：The optimal technology is stable and feasible .

Optimization of the Formulation of Curcumin Transethosomes / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To optimize the formulation of Curcumin （CUR）transethosomes（CUR-TEs）. METHODS ：The contents of CUR in CUR-TEs were determined by HPLC. CUR-TEs were prepared by injection method. Using comprehensive score of encapsulation efficiency and drug loading as index ，based on signal factor test ，Box-Behnken design-response surface method was used to optimize and validate the formulation. The property of CUR-TEs prepared by the optimal formulation was investigated. RESULTS：The optimal formulation of CUR-TEs was as follows as lecithin of 4％，CUR of 0.13％，1，2-propylene glycol of 25％，tween-80 of 1％. Results of validation test of optimal formulation showed that comprehensive score of encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of CUR-TEs was 93.04±2.16，relative error of which to predicted value （91.19）was 2.03％. The encapsulation efficiency of CUR-TEs prepared by optimal formulation was （91.17±1.35）％，and its drug loading was （0.94± 0.02）％. The particle size was （190.64±15.97）nm with polydispersity index of 0.086±0.007，and Zeta potential was （－12.74± 1.60）mV. CONCLUSIONS ：The optimized formulation of CUR-TEs is stable ，feasible and repeatable ，with good stability.

Formulation Optimization and Characterization of Docetaxel PELGE Nanoparticles and Preliminarily Evaluation of Its Drug Release and Antitumor Activity in vitro / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To optimize the f ormulation of docetaxel （DTX）-mPEG-PLGA-mPEG （PELGE）-nanoparticles （NPs），and to characterize it and evaluate its in vitro drug release and antitumor activity. METHODS ：PELGE were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization. DTX-PELGE-NPs were prepared by using emulsion solvent evaporation method. The content of DTX in DTX-PELGE-NPs was determined by HPLC. Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology was applied to optimize the formulation of the nanoparticles using the amount of DTX ，PELGE and poloxamer 188 as independent variable ，using entrapped efficiency as dependent variable. The particle size and Zeta-potential of DTX-PELGE-NPs were characterized by laser particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscope. The in vitro release of the DTX-PELGE-NPs was investigated by ultra-filtered centrifugation，using DTX injection as reference. In vitro cytotoxicity of the DTX-PELGE-NPs was investigated by MTT assay ， using DTX and PELGE-NPs without DTX as reference . RESULTS ：The optimal formulation included 2.80 mg DTX ，20.60 mg PELGE and 6％ poloxamer 188. The entrapped efficiency of optimized DTX-PELGE-NPs was （86.79±1.32）％；drug-loading amount was （10.21±0.78）％，and average particle size was （78.4±2.9）nm；polydispersity coeffici ent was （0.187±0.018）and Zeta potential was （－20.6±1.5）mV. Furthermore ，DTX- PELGE-NPs showed a regular spherical and uniform distribution under scanning electron microscopy. Compared with DTXinjection（accumulative release rate of 92.3％ at 4 h），DTX- PELGE-NPs had a significant sustained-release effect （accumu-lative release rate of 78.6％ at 36 h）. 0.1-50 μg/mL PELGE-NPs had no obvious cytotoxicity to human breast cancer cells MCF-7（P＞0.05）. 0.5-10 μg/mL DTX-PELGE-NPs could significantly inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cells MCF-7， and its inhibitory effect （except for DTX-PELGE-NPs 10 μg/mL group）was significantly stronger than that of DTX injection （P＜ 0.05）. CONCLUSIONS ：The optimized formulation is stable and feasible. The obtained DTX-PELGE-NPs not only have uniform particle size ，high encapsulation rate obvious slow-release effect ，but also have stronger anti-tumor effect in vitro than DTX injection.