Optimization of docetaxel-loaded cholesterol nanostructured lipid carriers for improving cancer treatment using Taguchi experimental design

•Docetaxel-loaded NLCs developed for enhanced cancer treatment effectiveness.•Blending speed critically affects NLC particle size (170.54 to 190.90 nm).•Zeta potential values varied from 5.88 to 30.72 mV, influencing NLC stability.•Solvent emulsification-diffusion method used to produce cholesterol NLCs.•Controlled experimental design optimizes NLC formulation for cancer treatment. Today's diets boost breast, head, neck, ovarian, and lung cancer risk. This has prompted researchers to study active compounds against these slow killers. Docetaxel (DTX) loaded onto cholesterol nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) with elaidic acid appears promising. Carriers were made using solvent emulsification-diffusion. This study used Taguchi's experimental design and analysis with the L16 orthogonal array. The design was utilised to analyse NLC particle size and zeta potential data. These trials considered process factors like elaidic acid percentage (15–30 %), emulsifier concentration (1–4 %), agitation duration (2–8 min), and blending speed (800–1400 rpm). Controlled experimental design plays an important role in pharmaceutical research, as does the privilege of a comprehensive technique aimed to maximize the creation of NLCs loaded with DTX for cancer treatment. Blending speed had a substantial influence on particle size, as the lowest and maximum particle sizes were 170.54 and 190.90 nm. In the zeta potential research, values ranged from 5.88 to 30.72 mV. These data show how important blending speed is in determining particle size. This research supports the sustainable development goals of 3, 9, 12, and 17.