Development And Optimization of Nano Structured Lipid Carriers NLCS Loaded with Febuxostat Using Box-Behnken Design for The Effective Management of Gout

Gout is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by deposition of monosodium urate crystals in the joints, leading to recurrent pain and inflammation. The present study aimed to develop and optimize nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) containing Febuxostat for enhanced solubility and bioavailability in the effective management of gout. A three-factor, three-level Box–Behnken design was employed to evaluate the effect of solid-to-liquid lipid ratio (X₁), stirring speed (X₂), and emulsifier concentration (X₃) on entrapment efficiency (Y₁), drug flux (Y₂), and percentage yield (Y₃). The optimized formulation containing Compritol 888 ATO and Capryol 90 (82.8:17.2 ratio), with 2.5 % Tween 80 and stirring speed of 2500 rpm, exhibited high entrapment efficiency (72.98 %), flux (136.19 µg cm⁻² h⁻¹), and yield (92.89 %). The NLCs showed an average particle size of 344 nm, PDI of 0.309, and zeta potential of −22.67 mV, indicating good stability. The developed system demonstrated sustained in vitro release, confirming its potential as an effective delivery platform for Febuxostat in gout management.