Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
09:56
Preparation and Characterization of Lipophilic Doxorubicin Pro-drug Micelles
Published on: August 2, 2016
15.1K
Diffusion Modeling and In Vitro Release Kinetics Studies of Curcumin-Loaded Superparamagnetic Nanomicelles in Cancer
Tinnabhop Santadkha1, Wanwisa Skolpap2, Veerachai Thitapakorn3
1Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand.
Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
|November 28, 2021
Summary
This study developed superparamagnetic curcumin nanoparticles for controlled drug release. The release mechanism followed Fickian diffusion, achieving a constant release rate in acidic environments.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Curcumin exhibits therapeutic potential but suffers from poor bioavailability.
- Nanoparticle drug delivery systems offer enhanced curcumin delivery.
- Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) enable targeted delivery and controlled release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro drug release kinetics of curcumin-loaded Pluronic F127/Oleic acid-Fe3O4 nanoparticles.
- To develop a diffusion model for curcumin release from these superparamagnetic nanoparticles.
- To characterize the physicochemical and magnetic properties of the developed nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Superparamagnetic nanoparticles were synthesized using the co-precipitation technique.
- Curcumin loading was achieved at concentrations of 15, 25, and 30 ppm.
- In vitro release studies were conducted in a pH 5.0 phosphate-buffered saline environment.
- Release data were fitted using non-linear kinetic models including Korsmeyer-Peppas.
Main Results:
- The nanoparticles exhibited desired characteristics including size, crystallinity, colloidal stability, and magnetic properties.
- Curcumin release was triggered by an acidic environment (pH 5.0).
- Release kinetics followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, indicating Fickian diffusion (n < 0.45).
- Controlled drug release dynamics were well-described by a combination of diffusion and first-order release.
Conclusions:
- The developed Pluronic F127/Oleic acid-Fe3O4 nanoparticles effectively encapsulate and control the release of curcumin.
- Fickian diffusion governs curcumin release, enabling a predictable and constant release rate.
- These nanoparticles show promise as a controlled delivery system for curcumin, particularly in acidic environments.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Bioavailability
Modified-release (MR) dosage forms are designed to extend drug release over time, thereby maintaining stable plasma concentrations and reducing dosing frequency. However, their bioavailability is typically below 100% due to incomplete drug release and presystemic metabolism, and limitations in drug permeability across the gastrointestinal epithelium, all of which can restrict the fraction of the drug reaching systemic circulation. Consequently, studying the in vivo bioavailability of MR...
01:22Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Drug Release Characteristics
Drug release from modified-release dosage forms is designed to achieve specific therapeutic effects by controlling the rate and extent of drug release. The classification of these drug release systems is based on key pharmacokinetic assumptions: drug disposition follows first-order kinetics, drug release is the rate-limiting step in absorption, and the released drug is rapidly and completely absorbed.There are four major models of drug release patterns. The first model is the slow zero-order...
01:23Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Classification
Modified-release drug delivery systems improve drug efficacy and minimize side effects by controlling the rate and location of drug release. These systems fall into three categories: rate-programmed, stimuli-activated, and site-targeted.Rate-programmed systems release drugs at a predetermined rate, maintaining consistent therapeutic levels and reducing fluctuations that could lead to toxicity or subtherapeutic effects. These systems use polymeric matrices, reservoir-based designs, or osmotic...
01:24Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...