Development of novel curcumin nanoemulgel: Optimisation, characterisation, and ex vivo permeation

Abstract

Introduction: Curcumin (Crc) is widely used as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent. Its low solubility limits its oral bioavailability, thus the need to develop a transdermal nanoformulation of Crc. Aim: This study aimed to obtain the stable formula of Crc-loaded nanoemulgels (Crc-NEGs) possessing good characteristics. Methods: The nanoemulsion (NE) was prepared by titration of the water phase into the mixture of oil, surfactant, and cosurfactant. Crc-NEs optimum formula was obtained by the simplex lattice design (SLD) method. Crc-NEGs were prepared using Carbopol 940 as the gelling agent, and subsequently, its freeze-thaw stability was observed. The ex vivo permeation study of Crc-NEGs was conducted using Franz diffusion cell. Results: The optimum formula of Crc-NEs showed good characteristics in terms of transmittance, particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. Crc-NEGs were found stable through freeze-thaw stability. The ex vivo permeation study illustrated the higher amount of Crc penetrated from NEGs compared to the control (p <0,05). Conclusion: The Crc-NEGs formula has the potential to be the novel effective delivery method of curcumin.