Optimization and Characterization of Polymer Lipid Hybrid Nanoparticles (PLN) Loaded with Curcumin

Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid of the popular Indian spice Curcuma longa (Turmeric), which is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). In spite of showing extraordinary medicinal properties, its commercialized formulation is still a challenge because of its poor solubility, bioavailability and rapid plasma clearance. The aim of the present study was to optimize a method for the preparation of polymer lipid hybrid nanoparticles of curcumin with a view to improve its aqueous-phase solubility. Polymer Lipid Hybrid Nanoparticles (PLN) have the advantage of both liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles. The nanoparticle with a hydrophobic polymeric core and a hydrophilic polymeric shell, is separated by a single layer of lipid. In addition to potential applications in drug delivery, the PLN can also be used for controlled release. PLN has been formulated by the DESE (Double Emulsion Solvent Evaporation) method. Biodegradable poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) and phosphatidylcholine are used as the polymer and lipid models, respectively. The three-factored with three levels using Box-Behnken Design has been used. The drug encapsulation efficiency (EE), drug loading (DL) percentage and particle size of curcumin-PLN were investigated with respect to two independent variables including curcumin concentration (X1), polymer concentration (X2) and lipid concentration (X3). The optimal formulation for curcumin loaded-PLN was composed of concentration. 10 mg/ml, lipid concentration (X1) of 50 mg and lipid concentration (X2) of 15 mg. Curcumin loaded-PLN under the optimized conditions gave rise to the EE of (97.66 ± 2.3) %, DL of (75.81 ± 1.9) %, mean diameter of (197 ± 4.7) nm, polydispersity index (PI) of 0.146 and zeta potential value of (–21.6 ± 1.3) mV. TEM of the optimized PLN loaded curcumin showed spherical particles.