Improving curcumin solubility and bioavailability by encapsulation in saponin-coated curcumin nanoparticles prepared...

Area of Science:

• Nutraceutical Science
• Colloidal Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Curcumin's therapeutic potential is hindered by poor solubility and bioavailability.
• Developing effective delivery systems is crucial for curcumin's application in food and medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create all-natural colloidal curcumin nanoparticles using a pH-driven method.
• To overcome curcumin's limitations for use in functional foods and supplements.

Main Methods:

• Saponin-coated curcumin nanoparticles were synthesized via a pH-driven loading technique.
• Physicochemical properties (size, charge, morphology, encapsulation) were characterized.
• Stability under varying pH and salt concentrations, and storage conditions was assessed.
• In vitro bioaccessibility and in vivo bioavailability were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Curcumin nanoparticles exhibited amorphous structure, good encapsulation efficiency, and stability at pH 3-8 and NaCl <200 mM.
• Nanoparticles remained stable during refrigerated storage and lyophilization.
• In vitro bioaccessibility increased 3.3-fold, and in vivo bioavailability increased 8.9-fold compared to free curcumin.

Conclusions:

• Saponin-coated curcumin nanoparticles effectively enhance curcumin's solubility and bioavailability.
• This delivery system shows promise for developing curcumin-enriched functional foods, supplements, and pharmaceuticals.
• The pH-driven method offers a viable route for producing stable, bioavailable curcumin nanoparticles.