CURCUMIN LOADED CHITOSAN NANOPARTICLES FOR TOPICAL DELIVERY: FORMULATION DESIGN, IN VITRO EVALUATION, KINETICS AND STABILITY STUDIES

The main objective of this research is to evaluate a new approach for the preparation of bio adhesive nanoparticles and to design an innovative topical delivery system for curcumin which is able to enhance the drug anticancer activity. Curcumin encapsulated nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation method. The nanoparticles were found to be discrete, spherical with free-flowing properties and evaluated for particle size analysis, shape (scanning electron microscopy), drug encapsulation efficiency, FTIR, DSC studies and in vitro release performance. The best selected nanoparticles formulation (FS5, containing drug: polymer ratio 1:5) was incorporated into gels with a bio adhesive polymer. The Nanoencapsulated topical gels were evaluated for pH, spreadability, extrudability, viscosity, in vitro drug release, drug release kinetics, bio adhesion test, accelerated stability of selected gel formulation. In vitro drug release rate for selected Nanoencapsulated bio adhesive topical gel (FS3 gel, containing 1 % w/w of drug loaded nanoparticles and 0.6 % w/w of Carbopol 934) was found to control curcumin release over 12h. The results were then compared statistically and obtained a satisfactory correlation. Thus, in conclusion preparation protocol of Nanoencapsulated topical gel study may be adopted for a successful delivery of Curcumin for topical use.