Entrapment Efficiency Of Curcumin Research Articles

Development and evaluation of curcumin-loaded vesicular carriers: impact of formulation variables

Vesicular carriers are a well-established approach to improving the technological and biopharmaceutical characteristics of the loaded cargo. The current manuscript is focused on the development and evaluation in a comparative aspect of two types of vesicles—ethosomes and transfersomes loaded with the phytoconstituent curcumin. The formulation variables affecting their physiochemical and cytotoxic properties are outlined as well. A series of ethosomes and transfersomes based on Lipoid S75 and ethanol, or edge activator, were prepared using the thin film hydration method and subjected to comprehensive evaluation by dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), entrapment efficiency evaluation, in vitro release, and cytotoxicity studies. Ethosomes based on Lipoid S75 (4% w/w) and ethanol (30% v/v) showed suitable physicochemical characteristics (hydrodynamic diameter of 578.6 nm, monomodal size distribution, high curcumin entrapment efficiency (78.2%)), and superior antiproliferative activity compared to free drug and transfersomal nanocarriers.

Preparation of Transglutaminase-Catalyzed Rice Bran Protein Emulsion Gels as a Curcumin Vehicle.

Protein-based emulsion gels have tunable viscoelasticity that can be applied to improve the stability of bioactive ingredients. As the by-product of rice processing, rice bran protein (RBP) has high nutritional value and good digestibility, exhibiting unique value in the development of hypoallergenic formula. In this study, the effect of transglutaminase (TGase) cross-linking on the physicochemical properties of RBP emulsion gels was investigated. To improve the stability of curcumin against environmental stress, the entrapment efficiency and stability of curcumin in the emulsion gel systems were also evaluated. The results indicated that TGase increased the viscoelastic modulus of RBP emulsion gels, resulting in a solid-like structure. Moreover, the entrapment efficiency of curcumin was increased to 93.73% after adding TGase. The thermal stability and photo-stability of curcumin were enhanced to 79.54% and 85.87%, respectively, compared with the sample without TGase addition. The FTIR results showed that TGase induced the cross-linking of protein molecules and the secondary structure change in RBP. Additionally, SEM observation confirmed that the incorporation of TGase promoted the formation of a compact network structure. This study demonstrated the potential of RBP emulsion gels in protecting curcumin and might provide an alternative strategy to stabilize functional ingredients.

Modification of Polyethylene Glycol-Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate Polymeric Micelles Loaded with Curcumin for Cellular Internalization and Cytotoxicity to Wilms Tumor 1-Expressing Myeloblastic Leukemia K562 Cells.

Curcumin loaded in micelles of block copolymers of ω-methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) and N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide modified with aliphatic dilactate (CD) or aromatic benzoyl group (CN) were previously reported to inhibit human ovarian carcinoma (OVCAR-3), human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2), and human lymphoblastic leukemia (Molt-4) cells. Myeloblastic leukemia cells (K562) are prone to drug resistance and differ in both cancer genotype and phenotype from the three mentioned cancer cells. In the present study, CD and CN micelles were prepared and their effects on K562 and normal cells were explored. The obtained CD and CN showed a narrow size distribution with diameters of 63 ± 3 and 50 ± 1 nm, respectively. The curcumin entrapment efficiency of CD and CN was similarly high, above 80% (84 ± 8% and 91 ± 3%). Both CD and CN showed suppression on WT1-expressing K562 and high cell-cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. However, CD showed significantly higher cytotoxicity to K562, with faster cellular uptake and internalization than CN. In addition, CD showed better compatibility with normal red blood cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells than CN. The promising CD will be further investigated in rodents and possibly in clinical studies for leukemia treatment.

Phyto-cosmeceutical gel containing curcumin and quercetin loaded mixed micelles for improved anti-oxidant and photoprotective activity

Ultra Violet radiations induced skin damage and associated skin disorders are a widespread concern. The consequences of sun exposure include a plethora of dermal conditions like aging, solar urticaria, albinism and cancer. Sunscreens provide effective protection to skin from these damages. Besides FDA approved physical and chemical UV filters, phytoconstituents with their multi functionalities are emerging as frontrunners in Therapy of skin disorders. Objective of this study was to develop novel phyto-dermal gel (PDG) with dual action of sun protection and antioxidant potential using polymeric mixed micelles (PMMs) are nanocarriers. PMMs of Pluronic F127 and Pluronic F68 loaded with curcumin and quercetin were optimized by 32 factorial designs. Responses studied were vesicle size, SPF, entrapment efficiency of curcumin and quercetin and antioxidant activity. Droplet size ranged from 300 to 500 nm with PDI in between 0.248 and 0.584. Combination of curcumin and quercetin showed enhanced sun protection and antioxidant activity. Pluronics played a significant positive role in various parameters. In present studies vesicle size of factorial batches was found to be between 387 and 527 nm, and SPF was found to be between 18.86 and 28.32. Transmission electron microscopy revealed spherical morphology of micelles. Optimized micelles were incorporated into Carbopol 940. Optimized PDG was evaluated for pH, drug content, spreadability, rheology, syneresis, ex vivo permeation, and skin retention. Hysteresis loop in the rheogram suggested thixotropy of PDG. Syneresis for gels from day 0–30 days was found to be between 0% and 12.46% w/w. SPF of optimized PDG was 27±0.5. Optimized PDG showed no signs of erythema and edema on Wistar rats. PMMs thus effectively enhanced antioxidant and skin protective effect of curcumin and quercetin.

New metal-organic framework coated sodium alginate for the delivery of curcumin as a sustainable drug delivery and cancer therapy system

The utilization of biocompatible drug delivery systems with extended drug release capabilities is highly advantageous in cancer therapy, as they can mitigate adverse effects. To establish such a biocompatible system with prolonged drug release behavior, researchers developed an innovative drug carrier. In this study, a sustainable approach was employed to synthesize a new zinc-based metal-organic framework (Zn-MOF) through the reaction between synthesized Schiff base ligands and zinc ions. Comprehensive analyses, including FT-IR, XRD, SEM, BET surface area, and TGA techniques, were employed to thoroughly characterize the frameworks. Following comprehensive characterization, curcumin (CUR) was loaded onto the Zn-MOF, resulting in CUR entrapment efficiency and loading capacity of 79.23 % and 26.11 %, respectively. In vitro evaluations of CUR release from CUR@MOF exhibited controlled release patterns, releasing 78.9 % and 50.0 % of CUR at pH 5.0 and pH 7.4, respectively. To mitigate initial burst release, a coating of the biopolymer sodium alginate (SA) was applied to CUR@Zn-MOF. In vitro CUR release tests indicated that SA/CUR@Zn-MOF outperformed pristine CUR@Zn-MOF. The release of CUR conformed to the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, displaying non-Fickian diffusion. Furthermore, an in vitro cytotoxicity study clearly demonstrated the potent anti-tumor activity of the synthesized CUR@Zn-MOF attributed to its controlled release of CUR. This led to the induction of apoptotic effects and cell death across HeLa, HEK293, and SH-SY5Y cell lines. These findings strongly suggest that the developed pH-sensitive carriers hold remarkable potential as targeted vehicles for drug delivery in cancer therapy.

Entrapment of curcumin in hydrogels of whey peptides and its release during static in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

The suitability of a whey peptide hydrogel for entrapping curcumin compared with a whey protein isolate (WPI) gel was investigated. In addition, the release of curcumin entrapped in the peptide and protein gels was evaluated during static in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The peptide hydrogel showed a 91% entrapment efficiency of curcumin compared with 99.9% for the WPI gel and at the end of intestinal digestion curcumin retention was close to 98% in the peptide hydrogel, whereas it was only 90% for the WPI gel. The preservation of the gel microstructure and, consequently, peptide-curcumin hydrophobic interactions during intestinal digestion could explain why curcumin release from the peptide hydrogel was lower than from the WPI gel. This work provides innovative results regarding the potential of using food-derived peptide hydrogels as an entrapment system for curcumin and its preservation during digestive conditions.

PEG 400:Trehalose Coating Enhances Curcumin-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticle Internalization in Neuronal Cells.

This work proposes a combination of polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG) and trehalose as a surface modification approach to enhance PLGA-based nanoparticles as a drug carrier for neurons. PEG improves nanoparticles' hydrophilicity, and trehalose enhances the nanoparticle's cellular internalization by inducing a more auspicious microenvironment based on inhibiting cell surface receptor denaturation. To optimize the nanoprecipitation process, a central composite design was performed; nanoparticles were adsorbed with PEG and trehalose. PLGA nanoparticles with diameters smaller than 200 nm were produced, and the coating process did not considerably increase their size. Nanoparticles entrapped curcumin, and their release profile was determined. The nanoparticles presented a curcumin entrapment efficiency of over 40%, and coated nanoparticles reached 60% of curcumin release in two weeks. MTT tests and curcumin fluorescence, with confocal imaging, were used to assess nanoparticle cytotoxicity and cell internalization in SH-SY5Y cells. Free curcumin 80 µM depleted the cell survival to 13% at 72 h. Contrariwise, PEG:Trehalose-coated curcumin-loaded and non-loaded nanoparticles preserved cell survival at 76% and 79% under the same conditions, respectively. Cells incubated with 100 µM curcumin or curcumin nanoparticles for 1 h exhibited 13.4% and 14.84% of curcumin's fluorescence, respectively. Moreover, cells exposed to 100 µM curcumin in PEG:Trehalose-coated nanoparticles for 1 h presented 28% fluorescence. In conclusion, PEG:Trehalose-adsorbed nanoparticles smaller than 200 nm exhibited suitable neural cytotoxicity and increased cell internalization proficiency.

Generation of curcumin-loaded albumin nanoparticles by using off-the-shelf microfluidics driven by gravity

The generation albumin-based nanocarriers by precipitation from solution has great interest in the formulation of advanced nutritional products. Microfluidic techniques enable the implementation of low energy and continuum processes, with fast mass transfer and homogeneous mixing at the microscale. Here we describe the microfluidic generation of curcumin-loaded alpha lactalbumin nanoparticles in a simple and inexpensive way, by using off-the-shelf devices designed to produce solvent-shifting nanoprecipitation in core-sheath flows driven by gravity, which has not been reported before. Nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. The microfluidic operating conditions were defined by theory and experiments, and the critical parameters controlling the nanoparticles diameter were identified. The prepared nanoparticles resulted practically monodisperse, the curcumin entrapment efficiency was about 40 %, and almost 70 % of the bioactive was gradually delivered in release experiments. The proposed methodology is a promising route to scale up the microfluidic elaboration of nanoparticles for the entrapment of active ingredients.

Addressing the Superior Drug Delivery Performance of Bilosomes─A Microscopy and Fluorescence Study.

The global health scenario in present times has raised human awareness about drug delivery strategies. Among colloidal drug delivery vehicles, vesicular nanocarriers such as liposomes and niosomes are popular. However, liposomes and niosomes get disrupted in the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal tract. In this context, the drug delivery community has reported the superior performance of vesicles containing bile salts, that is, bilosomes. The present work attempts to examine the structural/morphological aspects underlying the superior performance of bilosomes. Optical microscopy, electron microscopy, and light scattering give a definite proof of the enhanced stability of bilosomes compared to niosomes, both prepared from the same amphiphilic molecule. Fluorescence probing of the vesicles provides detailed insight into the bilayer characteristics and the differences between bilosomes and niosomes. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer studies lend further support to the findings that bilosomes have a more flexible bilayer structure than niosomes. The entrapment efficiency of the vesicles for the well-known antioxidant curcumin (whose bioavailability is a matter of concern due to low water solubility) was also studied. Bilosomes show higher curcumin entrapment efficiency than niosomes. For use in drug delivery, one needs to establish a trade-off between cargo/drug entrapment and release. Thus, a flexible bilayer structure is an advantage.

Effect of Formulation Variables and Bile Salts Addition on Entrapment Efficiency of Curcumin Loaded Niosomes

Effect of Formulation Variables and Bile Salts Addition on Entrapment Efficiency of Curcumin Loaded Niosomes

Formulation, Optimization, and in vitro Characterization of Curcumin Loaded Liposomes for Colonic Delivery

Background: Curcumin has been extensively employed in the treatment of several diseases in traditional medicine, including cancer.The main obstacles that avert its approval as a therapeutic moiety are its low aqueous solubility and low in vivo bioavailability. Liposomes have been recognized as effective carrier systems owing to their ability to solubilize hydrophobic molecules and to change their pharmacokinetic attributes. This study was intended at developing Eudragit S 100 coated alginate beads bearing curcumin loaded liposomes for colonic delivery. Methods: The liposomes were prepared by the film casting method. The optimization of various formulation and process variables was done by Box-Behnken design using Design- Expert® Software. Three variables i.e.HSPC:Chol molar ratio (X1),curcumin concentration (X2),and sonication time (X3) were selected as independent variables and entrapment efficiency of curcumin, polydispersity index, and vesicle size were selected as dependent variables. Results: The optimized liposomes had an average particle size of 109. 8 ± 1.4 nm, polydispersity index 0.218 ± 1.2, zeta potential +19.30 ± 2.46 mV, and with entrapment efficiency 70.16 ± 1.6 %. These liposomes were entrapped in eudragit coated beads and these beads were characterized for their size, swelling index and in vitro drug release.The in vitro drug release depicted that no release was observed till 6 hrs and a sustained and significant drug release was noted after 6.5 hr. Conclusion: The stability studies indicated that liposomes were stable at 4°C depicting little aggregation of the vesicles. The research suggested that curcumin-loaded liposomes bearing eudragit coated calcium alginate beads can be effectively used for colonic delivery.

Degradable 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate/Gelatin/Alginate Hydrogels Infused by Nanocolloidal Graphene Oxide as Promising Drug Delivery and Scaffolding Biomaterials

The design and evaluation of novel 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate/gelatin/alginate/graphene oxide hydrogels as innovative scaffolding biomaterials, which concurrently are the suitable drug delivery carrier, was proposed. The hydrogels were prepared by the adapted porogen leaching method; this is also the first time this method has been used to incorporate nanocolloidal graphene oxide through the hydrogel and simultaneously form porous structures. The effects of a material’s composition on its chemical, morphological, mechanical, and swelling properties, as well as on cell viability and in vitro degradation, were assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), measurements of Young’s modulus, gravimetric method and MTT test, respectively. The engineered hydrogels show good swelling capacity, fully hydrophilic surfaces, tunable porosity (from 56 to 76%) and mechanical properties (from 1.69 to 4.78 MPa), curcumin entrapment efficiency above 99% and excellent curcumin release performances. In vitro cytotoxicity on healthy human fibroblast (MRC5 cells) by MTT test reveal that the materials are nontoxic and biocompatible, proposing novel hydrogels for in vivo clinical evaluation to optimize tissue regeneration treatments by coupling the hydrogels with cells and different active agents to create material/biofactor hybrids with new levels of biofunctionality.

Development of a cellulose-based scaffold for sustained delivery of curcumin

Due to the unique properties of cellulose-based materials, they are attractive to be developed in industrial pharmaceutics and biomedical fields. Carboxymethyl-diethyl amino ethyl cellulose scaffold (CM-DEAEC) has been synthesized in the current work as a smart novel derivative of cellulose with a great functionality in drug delivery systems. The scaffolds were well cross-linked with 2% (v/v) epichlorohydrin (ECH), loaded with curcumin (Cur), and then were analyzed by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and mechanical strength. While developing the ideal delivery platform, curcumin (an important chemotherapeutic agent) was chosen due to its hydrophobicity and poor bioavailability. Thus, we developed a novel scaffold for efficient loading and controlled releasing of curcumin. The swelling ratio of 136%, high curcumin entrapment efficiency (up to 83.7%), sustained in vitro drug release profile, and appropriate degradability in three weeks confirmed significant properties of the CM-DEAEC scaffold. More than 99% antibacterial activity has been observed by the cross-linked curcumin loaded CM-DEAEC scaffolds. Cytotoxicity studies using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining showed that cross-inked curcumin loaded CM-DEAEC scaffolds did not show any toxicity using L929 cells. All experiments were compared with CMC scaffolds and better characteristics of the novel scaffold for drug delivery have been confirmed.

Development of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles by Cold Dilution of Microemulsions: Curcumin Loading, Preliminary In Vitro Studies, and Biodistribution.

Background: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are attractive drug delivery systems for lipophilic molecules like curcumin (CURC) with low chemical stability. Methods: A simple, innovative, and cold-operating method, named “cold dilution of microemulsion” is developed by the authors to produce SLNs. An oil-in-water microemulsion (µE), whose disperse phase consisted of a solution of trilaurin in a partially water-miscible solvent, was prepared after mutually saturating solvent and water. Trilaurin SLNs precipitated following solvent removal upon water dilution of the µE. After SLN characterization (mean size, Zeta potential, CURC entrapment efficiency, and over time stability), they were tested for in vitro cytotoxicity studies on pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines and for in vivo preliminary biodistribution studies in Wistar healthy rats. Results: CURC loaded SLNs (SLN-CURC) had mean diameters around 200 nm, were negatively charged, stable over time, and able to entrap CURC up to almost 90%, consequently improving its stability. SLN-CURC inhibited in vitro pancreatic carcinoma cell growth in concentration-dependent manner. Their in vivo intravenous administration suggested a possible long circulation. Conclusions: These results, according to a concomitant study on chitosan-coated SLNs, confirm the possibility to apply the developed SLN-based delivery systems as a means to entrap CURC, to improve both its water dispersibility and chemical stability, facilitating its application in therapy.

Brain Delivery of Curcumin Using Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers: Preparation, Optimization, and Pharmacokinetic Evaluation.

Curcumin is a multitherapeutic agent with great therapeutic potential in central nervous system (CNS) diseases. In the current study, curcumin was encapsulated in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for the purpose of increasing brain accumulation. The preparation processes have been optimized using experimental design and multiobjective optimization methods. Entrapment efficiency of curcumin in SLNs and NLCs was found to be 82% ± 0.49 and 94% ± 0.74, respectively. The pharmacokinetic studies showed that the amount of curcumin available in the brain was significantly higher in curcumin-loaded NLCs (AUC0-t = 505.76 ng/g h) compared to free curcumin (AUC0-t = 0.00 ng/g h) and curcumin-loaded SLNs (AUC0-t = 116.31 ng/g h) ( P < 0.005), after intravenous (IV) administration of 4 mg/kg dose of curcumin in rat. The results of differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction showed that curcumin has been dispersed as amorphous in the nanocarriers. Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed the nanoscale size and spherical shape of the nanoparticles. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging study indicated that preparation processes do not have any significant effect on the antioxidant activity of curcumin. The results of this study are promising for the use of curcumin-loaded NLCs in more studies and using curcumin in the treatment of CNS diseases.

Curcumin-loaded chitosan/carboxymethyl starch/montmorillonite bio-nanocomposite for reduction of dental bacterial biofilm formation

A novel bio nanocomposite of Carboxymethyl Starch (CMS)-Chitosan (CS)-Montmorillonite (MMT) was developed for Curcumin delivery. To improve Curcumin entrapment into Cs-CMS-MMT, different ratios of Chitosan (Cs), Carboxymethyl Starch (CMS) and MMT were used. Particle size and Curcumin entrapment efficiency (EE) were highly affected by different formulation variables. Polysaccharide concentration, Cs-CMS ratio and sonication time had significant effect on particle size. MMT addition enhanced the entrapment efficiency. To optimize entrapment efficiency of Curcumin, statistical analysis was used, and an experiment based on screening design performed with two variants. Morphology and structural characterization of nanocomposite and Curcumin entrapment efficiency were analyzed. The optimal formulation had the average particles size of 35.9nm with Curcumin entrapment efficiency of 91%. Finally, the antibacterial activity of bio nanocomposite against Streptococcus mutans was assessed. Curcumin-loaded bio nanocomposite hindered the formation of biofilm on dental models very effectively.

Preparation and evaluation of BSA-based hydrosol nanoparticles cross-linked with genipin for oral administration of poorly water-soluble curcumin

One of the most interesting functions of albumin is the ability to interact with bioactive compounds. This study describes preparation of protein-based nanoparticles (NPs) for the preparation of solid dispersion of curcumin (CN). Fabrication of hydrosol system of dispersed CN in bovine serum albumin (BSA) was approached, followed by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde (Gta). Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to investigate the influence of input factors (pH, CN content and organic phase ratio (r)), on the particle size and CN entrapment efficiency (EE). Particle size, EE and CN loading efficiency (LE) at optimum condition (pH 7, r 10% and 3.4mg of CN content), were found to be in the range of 153–184.4nm, 72.54%, and 14.508μg/mg, respectively. In the optimum formulation, genipin (Gnp) was used at three different levels (0.1–0.2 and 0.3% w/w of BSA), as a safe, natural cross-linker instead of toxic Gta, to address the limitation of oral delivery purpose. AFM and SEM analysis revealed the spherical and smooth surface of Nps. Ninhydrin (NHD) assay and FT-IR analysis confirmed the cross-linking between BSA and Gnp. In vitro release studies ensure the efficiency of the formulation for sustained release of soluble CN.

Enhanced antitumor activity of epigallocatechin gallate–conjugated dual-drug-loaded polystyrene–polysoyaoil–diethanol amine nanoparticles for breast cancer therapy

The development of novel combination anticancer drug delivery systems is an important step to improve the effectiveness of anticancer treatment in metastatic breast cancer and to overcome increased toxicity of the currently used combination treatments. The aim of this study was to assess efficient targeting, therapeutic efficacy, and bioavailability of a combination of drugs (curcumin and α-tocopheryl succinate) loaded polystyrene–polysoyaoil–diethanol amine nanoparticles. Polystyrene–polysoyaoil–diethanol amine nanoparticles encapsulating two drugs, individually or in combination, were prepared by double-emulsion solvent evaporation method, resulting in particle size smaller than 250 nm with a surface negative charge between −30 and −40 mV. Entrapment efficiency of curcumin and α-tocopheryl succinate in the epigallocatechin gallate–conjugated dual-drug-loaded nanoparticles was found to be 68% and 80%, respectively. The release kinetics of curcumin and α-tocopheryl succinate from the nanoparticles exhibited a gradual and continuous profile followed by an initial burst behavior with a release over 20 days in vitro. Next, we have investigated the anticancer activity of nanoparticles encapsulating both the drugs and individually drug in human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) using double-staining-based cell death analysis, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assessment of cytotoxicity and flow cytometer. In vitro cytotoxicity studies revealed that epigallocatechin gallate–α-tocopheryl succinate/curcumin–polystyrene–polysoyaoil–diethanol amine nanoparticles are more potent than the corresponding α-tocopheryl succinate/curcumin–polystyrene–polysoyaoil–diethanol amine nanoparticles and their single-drug-loaded forms and show a synergistic and breast tumor targeting function. Thus, here, we propose epigallocatechin gallate–conjugated curcumin and α-tocopheryl succinate–loaded polystyrene–polysoyaoil–diethanol amine nanoparticles which effectively inhibit tumor growth and reduce toxicity compared to single-drug chemotherapy.

Size and Stability of Curcumin Niosomes from Combinations of Tween 80 and Span 80

The ratios of Tween 80 to Span 80 are important in controlling the physicochemical characteristics of curcumin niosomes. Thus, in this study the correlations of combination of Tween 80 and Span 80 at different ratios with the size and stability of curcumin niosomes were investigated. Initially curcumin was dissolved in chloroform and methanol (v/v= 3:1), followed by the preparation of niosomes by thin-film hydration method with the mole ratio of mixture of Tween 80 and Span 80 to cholesterol of 2:1. The ratios of Tween 80 to Span 80 in the mixture were set at 1:1, 1:9, 9:1, 2:3 and 3:2 with Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) values of 9.65, 5.37, 13.93, 8.58 and 10.72, respectively. As expected, niosome barely formed at HLB value 13.93. This might be due to the molecule being hydrophilic and well hydrated which inhibits the formation of a stable bilayer in solution. It was found that the formulation which has higher Span 80 and lower HLB value leads to larger niosome before sonication. The largest niosome size achieved from Tween 80 to Span 80 ratio of 1:9 and 2:3 was 77.36 and 59.85 μm, respectively. On the other hand, for the ratio of 3:2, the largest niosome formed before sonication was less than 50.00 μm. After sonication, the niosome size reduced to less than 35.00 μm for all formulations. It was showed that formulation with Tween 80 to Span 80 ratio of 1:9 has superior curcumin entrapment efficiency and best stability during storage. The results demonstrated that appropriate ratio of Tween 80 to Span 80 was necessary for forming small and stable curcumin niosomes.

Preparation of Curcumin Loaded Egg Albumin Nanoparticles Using Acetone and Optimization of Desolvation Process.

In this study, acetone was used as a desolvating agent to prepare the curcumin-loaded egg albumin nanoparticles. Response surface methodology was employed to analyze the influence of process parameters namely concentration (5-15%w/v) and pH (5-7) of egg albumin solution on solubility, curcumin loading and entrapment efficiency, nanoparticles yield and particle size. Optimum processing conditions obtained from response surface analysis were found to be the egg albumin solution concentration of 8.85%w/v and pH of 5. At this optimum condition, the solubility of 33.57%, curcumin loading of 4.125%, curcumin entrapment efficiency of 55.23%, yield of 72.85% and particles size of 232.6 nm were obtained and these values were related to the values which are predicted using polynomial model equations. Thus, the model equations generated for each response was validated and it can be used to predict the response values at any concentration and pH.