| The objective of this study was to investigate a new nano-carrier for melanoma treatment. In Chapter 1, the current status of nanoparticles for melanoma treatment was discussed. In Chapter 2 & 3, Box-Behnken Design was used to optimize the preparation of cubosomes and physical characterizations were used on selected samples. In Chapter 4, X-Ray Diffraction and Differential Scanning Calorimetry were used to characterize cubosome formulations. Overall, The optimized formulation based on formulation parameters resulted from 100 mg of monoolein, 107 mg of polymer and 2 mg with diameter of 104.7 nm and encapsulation efficiency of 6.9%. Optimal formulation based on process parameters was obtained from 24,000 rpm of homogenization speed, 5.5 min of duration and 76°C of temperature with cubosome formulation of 85.6 nm in size and 16.7% in encapsulation efficiency. Dacarbazine inside cubosomes was in crystal form. These dacarbazine-loaded cubosomes had great potential in melanoma treatment. |
