Formulation Development of Flaxseed Oil Beads Containing ω-Fatty Acid

Background: Nutraceuticals are in high demand as dietary supplements on the international market since decades. Nutritional and therapeutic supplements called nutraceuticals are widely accessible. Alpha linolenic acid (ALA), fibre, proteins, and vital omega-3 fatty acids are all present in high concentrations in flaxseed, one of the oldest and most widely utilised food supplements. The present work was aimed to formulate and develop flaxseed oil beads containing omega fatty acids as a replacement supplement for marine source. Flaxseed oil beads were formulated by ionic gelation method. Minitab 21.1.0 was used to screen and optimise the process and formulation parameters. Plackett Burman design was used for the initial screening. Twelve batches were made ready for screening, and each batch was evaluated for optimization based on the percentage of drug release and the percentage of drug encapsulation efficiency. RSM was used to carry out the optimization. After optimization and validation, the batches showed the satisfactory results complying with IP specifications. 
Results: Twelve batches were formulated and evaluated for percentage encapsulation efficiency and percentage drug release. The formulated batches F4, F6 and F10 shown the optimal results. 
Conclusion: Polyunsaturated fatty acids found in the flaxseed oil were confirmed with hexabromide test. Several nutritional advantages of the extracted flaxseed oil's omega fatty acid were incorporated in beads utilising the ionic gelation process. 
Keywords: Nutraceutical, Flaxseed, Beads, QbD, Omega fatty acid, Alpha linolenic acid.