Enhanced curcumin permeability by SLN formulation: The PAMPA approach

Curcumin health benefits are strongly limited by its poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability. This work was focused on the development and characterization of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for the encapsulation of curcumin for oral administration. High shear homogenization and ultrasonication techniques were employed to prepare Compritol SLNs. The physicochemical characterization of round shaped curcumin-loaded SLNs was carried out by monitoring particle size (lower than 300 nm), zeta potential (-33 mV), drug loading capacity (1.60%), drug entrapment efficiency (80%), TEM analysis and in vitro drug release. Stability (4 °C) was investigated over one month. Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assay (PAMPA) showed a considerable increase of curcumin permeated when formulated as SLNs. A modified release profile suggested that curcumin molecules are solubilized into the solid lipid matrix. The developed SLNs were produced without the use of solvents and all excipients were GRAS ingredients; both technology and composition were suitable for food application.