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Published on: February 9, 2019
Formulation of curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles produced by fatty acids coacervation technique
Daniela Chirio1, Marina Gallarate, Elena Peira
1Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco, University of Torino, Italy.
Journal of Microencapsulation
|June 28, 2011
Summary
Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were developed to encapsulate curcumin (CU), achieving up to 81% efficiency. These fatty acid SLNs show potential for colon cancer cell treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Materials Science
Background:
- Curcumin (CU) is a natural compound with therapeutic potential but poor bioavailability.
- Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) offer a promising platform for enhancing the delivery of hydrophobic drugs like CU.
- Fatty acids (FA) and polymers are key components in SLN formulation, influencing particle characteristics and drug loading.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and characterize curcumin-loaded fatty acid solid lipid nanoparticles (FA SLNs).
- To investigate the impact of different fatty acids and polymers on nanoparticle properties and curcumin encapsulation.
- To evaluate the potential of these FA SLNs for colon cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- FA SLNs were prepared using a coacervation technique involving FA precipitation.
- Various fatty acids (myristic, palmitic, stearic, behenic) and non-ionic surfactants (polymers) were used.
- Curcumin encapsulation efficiency was determined, and particle size was analyzed.
- Chitosan hydrochloride was incorporated to create bioadhesive nanoparticles, and complex formation was studied using DSC and UV-vis spectroscopy.
- Preliminary in vitro studies were conducted on HCT-116 colon cancer cells.
Main Results:
- Spherical FA SLNs with mean diameters generally below 500 nm were obtained.
- SLNs with diameters below 300 nm were achieved using middle-high hydrolysis grade polymers.
- Curcumin encapsulation efficiency ranged from 28% to 81%, significantly influenced by FA and polymer choice.
- The addition of chitosan hydrochloride resulted in positively charged, bioadhesive nanoparticles.
- Evidence suggested the formation of a curcumin-chitosan complex.
Conclusions:
- Fatty acid SLNs are a viable system for curcumin encapsulation, with formulation parameters affecting efficiency and particle size.
- Chitosan modification enhances the potential of FA SLNs for targeted drug delivery.
- Curcumin-loaded FA SLNs warrant further investigation for their therapeutic efficacy in colon cancer treatment.
