Abstract :
Curcumin is a highly potent, nontoxic; bioactive agent found in turmeric and has been known for centuries as a household remedy to many ailments. Among the potent anticancer agents, curcumin has been found to be very efficacious against different types of cancer cells. The only disadvantage that it suffers is of low aqueous solubility and poor bioavailability. The curcumin loaded nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation of chitosan with tripolyphosphate anions (TPP). Nanoparticles of different core: coat ratio were formulated and evaluated for process yield, loading efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, in vitro drug release, kinetic studies and stability studies. The chitosan nanoparticles have a particle diameter ranging approximately 342-712 nm and a zeta potential -30.35to -15.9 mV. There was a steady increase in the entrapment efficiency on increasing the polymer concentration in the formulations. The in vitro release behavior from all the drug loaded batches were found to follow first order and provided controlled release over a period of 24 h. No appreciable difference was observed in the drug content and in vitro release of product during 6 months in which nanoparticles were stored at 5°C and room temperature. According to the data obtained, this chitosan- based delivery system opens new and interesting perspectives as drug carriers.
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Keyword :
eywords: Nanoparticles; Chitosan; Curcumin; Ionic gelation technique.