Formulation and comparative characterization of nanoparticles of curcumin using natural, synthetic and semi-synthetic...

The present research work aimed to prepare and characterize nanoparticles of curcumin using polymers from different sources like natural, synthetic and semi-synthetic, and compare their activity for wound healing. Curcumin, BCS class II drug, is a polyphenol with proven wound healing activity.

The curcumin-loaded chitosan and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) nanoparticles were prepared by ionotropic gelation method. In contrast, poly-lactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles were prepared by a double emulsion solvent evapouration method. The different sources of polymers include natural (chitosan), synthetic (PLGA) and semi-synthetic CMC were used for the preparation of nanoparticles.

The percentage entrapment efficiency of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles was found to be in the order of polymers PLGA>chitosan>CMC. The in-vitro release study of carboxymethyl cellulose -curcumin nanoparticles was found to be 74.96% for 24 h. The presence of a specific peak of curcumin in all the polymeric nanoparticles specifies drug incorporation in the polymeric matrix. The in-vivo study revealed that curcumin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles fasten the healing process of the wound due to the synergistic effect produced by using a combination of curcumin and chitosan.

Curcumin-loaded nanoparticles showed significant enhancement in wound healing action by lowering the dose of curcumin and effecting synergistically due to the use of chitosan.