Quality by design of curcumin-loaded calcium alginate emulsion beads as an oral controlled release delivery system

Abstract

The aim of this study was to prepare a curcumin floating bead system to act as an oral controlled release delivery system. The methodology included the use of calcium alginate emulsion beads containing oleic acid and Tween® 80. The effect of these ingredients on curcumin release and gel stability was determined. The formulations with greater concentrations of oleic acid were more physically stable and selected for further analysis. The drug release mechanism was evaluated in simulated gastric fluid. Response surface methodology was used to determine the optimum conditions for preparation using floatation time and curcumin release as the dependent variables. Two independent variables were assessed i.e., the cross-linking time and the Tween®80 concentration. Both factors affected the floatation time and drug release. The optimum conditions for the preparation of curcumin beads were determined and tested. The observed and predicted responses of the optimum curcumin bead formulation were similar.