Microwave-induced diffusion method for solid dispersion of curcumin in HPMC matrix using water as hydration carrier

Abstract

In this study, a possible way of dispersing curcumin on hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) at a nanoscale level using microwave-induced diffusion method is reported to enhance its solubility, release control and oral bioavailability. Different weight ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4 curcumin-HPMC solid dispersions (SDs) were prepared and characterized. The results of XRD and DSC indicated that obtained 1:4 SDs exhibited less crystalline and less fusion enthalpy (13.72 ± 1.19 J/g) compared to pure curcumin and other SDs. FESEM confirmed that size reduced curcumin nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed in HPMC. Dispersed curcumin nanoparticles of 20–40 nm were embedded in HPMC for 1:4 SDs as shown by AFM and TEM analysis. In vitro release test showed that this method was successful in achieving a higher dissolution rate of curcumin at pH 6.8 and 1.2. This study proposes that the prepared SDs favorably enhanced the solubility and sustained high dissolution rate of water-insoluble curcumin.