Curcumin-Loaded Microemulsion Gel: An Optimized and Rheologically Acceptable Formulation with Conducive...

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Oncology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Breast cancer is a leading global malignancy requiring novel therapeutic approaches.
• Curcumin exhibits anticancer properties but faces challenges in clinical use due to poor solubility and skin penetration.
• Developing advanced drug delivery systems is crucial for overcoming curcumin's limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize a curcumin-loaded microemulsion (CUR-ME) incorporated into a Carbopol 934 gel for topical breast cancer treatment.
• To evaluate the physicochemical properties, anticancer efficacy, and skin penetration of the CUR-ME gel.
• To assess the potential of CUR-ME gel as a sustained-release topical drug delivery system.

Main Methods:

• Formulation and optimization of CUR-ME using Box-Behnken design.
• Characterization of CUR-ME physicochemical properties (particle size, PDI, zeta potential).
• In vitro cytotoxicity assays (MCF-7 cells), apoptosis and ROS generation studies, rheological analysis, in vitro drug release, and skin penetration studies using confocal microscopy.

Main Results:

• Optimized CUR-ME exhibited favorable physicochemical properties (177.4 nm size, 0.1309 PDI, -4.45 mV zeta potential).
• CUR-ME showed enhanced dose-dependent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells (IC50 8.89 µg/mL vs. 9.83 µg/mL for free curcumin) with increased apoptosis and ROS generation.
• The gel formulation demonstrated suitable rheological properties, sustained in vitro drug release, and enhanced skin penetration.

Conclusions:

• The developed CUR-ME gel is a promising topical formulation for breast cancer management.
• It offers sustained drug release, improved skin retention, and enhanced therapeutic potential.
• This delivery system effectively overcomes the limitations of free curcumin for topical application.