Spontaneous Emulsification as a Novel Approach for the Preparation and Characterization of Curcumin Nanoemulsion: Advancing Bioavailability and Therapeutic Efficacy

Abstract

Purpose Curcumin is a phytochemical that is bioactive and exhibits strong therapeutic effects on several skin diseases. Curcumin’s (CUR) low water solubility and restricted skin permeability constitute a major obstacle to its topical efficacy. The main objective was to prepare and evaluate a nanoemulsion using curcumin to improve its bioavailability. This work evaluated the impact of various emulsifiers (Cremophor ® RH 40 and PEG 400) and surfactant-to-oil ratios (s/o) on the stability, physical, and chemical characteristics of curcumin-loaded nanoemulsions. Clove oil and the Surfactant to cosurfactant (Smix) ratio of 1:1 were chosen in accordance with the ternary phase diagram’s nanoemulsion zone, which illustrates the relationship between the nanoemulsion’s phase behavior and composition in order to create a stable nanoemulsion loaded with curcumin. Materials and Methods Curcumin-containing nanoemulsions were obtained through the spontaneous emulsification method. Results Zeta potential, viscosity, particle size, and physical properties of the produced nanoemulsions were evaluated. Thus, Curcumin-containing Nanoemulsions (CUR-CLO NEG 1) stabilized with surfactant and cosurfactant had lower particle sizes and zeta potential of 30.2±0.11 and -38.3±0.23 respectively, thereby improving physical stabilities and increased drug content of 97±0.11%. Due to its decreased oil content, CNE1 has the lowest viscosity. Reduced oil content causes droplet size to decrease; this can be explained by how oil affects nanoemulsions’ viscosity (i.e., lower viscosity values lead to reduced oil content). Conclusion The findings from the above research work concluded that the curcumin nanoemulsion formulated using the spontaneous emulsion method produced a uniform and stable nanoemulsion with a small droplet size, which may be suitable for topical drug delivery.