Curcumin-incorporated Thiolated Chitosan/alginate Nanocarriers: Physicochemical properties and release mechanism

Abstract

This study was aimed to develop thiolated chitosan/alginate nanoparticles for curcumin delivery. The nanoparticles were prepared from thiolated chitosan and sodium alginate using an ionic gelation technique. The concentrations of thiolated chitosan and alginate used to form the nanoparticles were optimal at 0.05 and 0.025 % w/v, respectively. Curcumin was incorporated into the nanoparticles by entrapment during nanoparticle preparation. The thiol content of the synthesized thiolated chitosan as well as the particle size, size distribution, surface charge, loading efficiency, loading capacity and drug release characteristics of the curcumin-loaded thiolated chitosan/alginate nanoparticles were investigated. Nano-sized particles ranging from 291-435 nm were obtained. The blank nanoparticles exhibited the smallest size and positive surface charge. Incorporation of curcumin into the nanoparticles resulted in a slightly bigger particle size and the surface charge became negative. After drug loading, the particle size was changed to 435 nm with the technique used. Sustained release of curcumin was observed from the nanoparticles. Kinetics of curcumin release fitted well with the zero-order model. Curcumin incorporated nanoparticles were successfully prepared with desirable physicochemical properties. Moreover, sustained release of curcumin from the nanoparticles with zero-order kinetic was obtained. Therefore, these nanoparticles may prove to be favourable carriers for curcumin delivery.