In-situ implant containing PCL-curcumin nanoparticles developed using design of experiments

Polymeric delivery system is useful in reducing pharmacokinetic limitations viz., poor absorption and rapid elimination associated with clinical use of curcumin. Design of experiment is a precise and cost effective tool useful in analyzing the effect of independent variables and their interaction on the product attributes.

To evaluate the effect of process variables involved in preparation of curcumin-loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles (CPN).

In the present experiment, CPNs were prepared by emulsification solvent evaporation technique. The effect of independent variables on the dependent variable was analyzed using design of experiments. Anticancer activity of CPN was studied using Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) model. In-situ implant was developed using PLGA as polymer.

The effect of independent variables was studied in two stages. First, the effect of drug-polymer ratio, homogenization speed and surfactant concentration on size was studied using factorial design. The interaction of homogenization speed with homogenization time on mean particle size of CPN was then evaluated using central composite design. In the second stage, the effect of these variables (under the conditions optimized for producing particles <500 nm) on percentage drug encapsulation was evaluated using factorial design. CPN prepared under optimized conditions were able to control the development of EAC in Swiss albino mice and enhanced their survival time. PLGA based in-situ implant containing CPN prepared under optimized conditions showed sustained drug release.

This implant could be further evaluated for pharmacological activities.