Encapsulation of Curcumin into Nanoparticles
January 2010
TLDR Encapsulating curcumin in nanoparticles improves its stability, release, and absorption in the body.
The study encapsulated curcumin into five different polymers, achieving over 90% encapsulation efficiency. The encapsulated curcumin demonstrated significantly improved photostability compared to free curcumin. In vitro experiments showed rapid and high release of curcumin from ethyl cellulose (EC) and methylcellulose (ECMC) under acidic and neutral conditions, with greater release in simulated gastric fluid than intestinal fluid. In mice, curcumin-loaded EC and ECMC particles adhered to stomach mucosa, released curcumin into circulation at higher concentrations, and sustained blood levels longer than free curcumin. Both formulations provided comparable radical protection to free curcumin. An in vitro skin penetration study indicated strong curcumin signals in porcine skin, with w/o lotion enhancing penetration better than o/w lotion. Laser fluorescent scanning microscopy revealed hair follicles as the primary transport route for the curcumin-loaded nanoparticles.