Characterization of curcumin-PVP solid dispersion obtained by spray drying

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Materials Science
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Curcumin is a lipophilic molecule with diverse pharmacological activities.
• Limited aqueous solubility and alkaline pH instability hinder curcumin's bioavailability.
• Developing strategies to enhance curcumin's solubility and stability is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize solid dispersions of curcumin with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) using spray drying.
• To evaluate the impact of solid dispersion on curcumin's dissolution rate.
• To assess the potential of solid dispersions for improving curcumin bioavailability.

Main Methods:

• Solid dispersions of curcumin and PVP were prepared via spray drying.
• Physical characterization involved Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD).
• Dissolution studies were conducted in 0.1 N HCl.

Main Results:

• Spray drying resulted in the formation of a high-energy amorphous phase of curcumin within the solid dispersions.
• Physical characterization confirmed solid-state changes indicative of amorphous phase formation.
• Solid dispersions exhibited complete curcumin dissolution within 30 minutes, compared to negligible release from physical mixtures.
• Physical mixtures showed minimal curcumin release even after 90 minutes in 0.1 N HCl.

Conclusions:

• Spray-dried solid dispersions effectively enhance the dissolution rate of curcumin.
• The amorphous nature of curcumin in solid dispersions is key to improved dissolution.
• This formulation strategy holds promise for increasing curcumin bioavailability and enabling dose reduction.