Response Surface and Artificial Neural Network Simulation Used in Dissolution Enhancement of Poorly Soluble Lornoxicam Using Microwave-Assisted Solid Dispersion Technique

Lornoxicam is commonly used as the first-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and spondylitis. However, its low solubility in biological fluids leads to poor absorption of the drug. To address this issue, the present research work had been explored the use of microwave-assisted eco-friendly solid dispersion techniques to enhance its solubility. Response surface methodology and artificial neural network approaches were employed to optimize the process and product parameters. Poloxamer-407 was selected as the hydrophilic carrier for preparing the solid dispersion. The solid-state characterization of the solid dispersion and physical mixture was evaluated utilizing Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. In-vitro dissolution studies were conducted in 6.8 phosphate buffer. Microwave power and treatment time were chosen as independent variables, while the % of drug release at 15 and 45 min was chosen as dependent variables. The factors and their responses were analyzed using an artificial neural network and response surface methodology techniques. The dissolution phase solubility study showed the highest solubility at a 1:2 ratio of Lornoxicam to Poloxamer 407. The optimized batch presented 59.90, 88.85, and 97.33% cumulative drug release at 15, 45, and 60 min, respectively. The central composite design was used to describe the relationship between microwave power, microwave treatment time, and the percentage of drug release. Both artificial neural network and central composite design approaches proved to be powerful tools for the systematic development of microwave solid dispersion.