PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF NANOENCAPSULATED TOPICAL GEL OF CURCUMIN

Preethi Raj M. N.* and J. Adlin Jino Nesalin

ABSTRACT

The objective of the present study is to development and evaluation of Curcumin nanoparticles prepared by ionic gelation technique using different ratios of drug and chitosan (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5 and 1:6). From these 6 formulations the ideal formulations was selected and used for the curcumin nanoparticles bioadhesive topical gel. The obtained nanoparticles were discrete, spherical with free flowing properties and evaluated for process yield, loading efficiency, Zeta potential, particle size in vitro drug release, kinetic studies and stability studies. The drug carrier interactions were investigated by FT-IR spectroscopy and DSC. The optimized nanoparticles formulations FS-5 (drug: polymer ratio 1:5) were employed for topical gel preparation using stirring method in order to develop a controlled release. Nanoencapsulated curcumin containing bioadhesive topical gel (NCBTG) were characterized for pH, homogeneity, drug content, viscosity, spreadability, in vitro skin permeation and stability. The in-vitro experiments indicated a controlled release of drug and an acceptable bioadhesion quality for the formulation of topical gel (FTG)-3. Hence it can be concluded that the formulation has potential to deliver curcumin in a controlled manner for prolonged period over 12 hours than the other formulations and can be adopted for a successful delivery of curcumin for topical use.

Keywords: Curcumin; Nanoparticles; Chitosan; Ionic gelation technique; Topical gel; Carbapol.