Robust Optimization of Alginate-Carbopol 940 Bead Formulations

Table 2

Factors and their corresponding levels implemented for the construction of 𝐿₁₈ orthogonal array.

Factor	Levels used, actual (coded)
	Low (−1)	Medium (0)	High (+1)
Independent variables
A: addition of TEA	No		Yes
B: concentration of Carbopol (% w/v)	1	2	4
C: flux rate of polymeric solution (mL/min)	1	2	3
D: stirring rate of stirrer (rpm)	100	300	500
E: reaction time of beads into CaCl2 solution (min)	5	30	60
F: drying method	Room	Rotary evaporator	Oven
G: NaCl (% w/v)	0	0.01	0.1
H: pH	7.2	7.6	8.0