The application of artificial neural networks in the prediction of microemulsion phase boundaries in PEG-8 caprylic/capric glycerides based systems

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop artificial neural network (ANN) model suitable to predict successfully the borders of the microemulsion region in the quaternary system PEG-8 caprylic/capric glycerides (Labrasol (R)/cosurfactant/isopropyl myristate/water, in order to minimise experimental effort. In our preliminary investigations of phase behaviour, two cosurfactants were used, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil (Cremophor (R) RH 40) and polyglyceryl-6 isostearate (Plurol Isostearique (R)). Microemulsion existance area in pseudo-ternary phase diagrams was determined using titration method at constant: (a) oil-to-water ratio (alpha = 50%, w/w); (b) surfactant-to-cosurfactant ratio (Km) 4:6;