Factorial Design: A Comparative Study With And Without Use of Software

Factorial design as optimization technique was applied in formulation development and processing conditions of Diclofenac sodium granules. The present study involves design and evaluation of non-effervescent granules of Diclofenac sodium with excellent flow properties. In the formulation of non-effervescent granules of Diclofenac sodium, angle of repose was the dependent variable (with excellent flow) and the concentrations of binder (Povidone K-30) and lubricant (Magnesium stearate) were the two independent variables chosen at two different levels. With the help of factorial approach, a polynomial equation Y= B0 + B1X1 + B2X2 + B12X1X2 was formed. Using the polynomial equation three new formulations were selected and performed to evaluate the correlation between experimental and predicted responses. A good correlation was obtained between the experimental and the predicted values. Also the work was oriented to have a comparative study of application of factorial design with and without use of software and come up with any pros and cons of these respective ways.