Lyophilized sponges loaded with curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles for buccal delivery: Development and...

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) offer advantages for drug delivery but require suitable formulations.
• Mucoadhesive dosage forms can enhance drug retention and absorption at mucosal surfaces.
• Curcumin, a potent natural compound, has limited bioavailability due to poor solubility and rapid metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize mucoadhesive sponges for buccal delivery of curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (CurSLN).
• To evaluate the in-vivo residence time, drug release, and physical properties of the prepared mucoadhesive sponges.
• To confirm the integrity of SLN after incorporation into the sponge matrix and release.

Main Methods:

• Curcumin-loaded SLN were prepared using Gelucire 50/13 and poloxamer 407.
• SLN dispersion was formulated into mucoadhesive sponges using HPMC and Polycarbophil, with glycerol and mannitol as excipients.
• Sponges were evaluated for in-vivo residence time, in-vitro/in-vivo drug release, hydration capacity, surface morphology (SEM), nanoparticle integrity (TEM), and ingredient interactions (IR spectroscopy).

Main Results:

• HPMC and Polycarbophil sponges exhibited in-vivo residence times of 4 and 15 hours, respectively.
• Glycerol and mannitol (1%) incorporation resulted in flexible and elegant sponges.
• SEM revealed polymer-dependent CurSLN deposition, while TEM confirmed the integrity of released CurSLN. IR spectroscopy indicated interaction between HPMC and poloxamer 407.

Conclusions:

• Mucoadhesive sponges provide an effective solid dosage form for delivering curcumin SLN to the buccal mucosa.
• The developed sponges maintain the character and integrity of solid lipid nanoparticles.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for enhancing the delivery and bioavailability of curcumin and potentially other lipophilic drugs.