Formulation and Evaluation of Solid Dispersion Lipid Particles of Curcumin for Improving Bioavailability

Background: To overcome the drugs’ low bioavailability and/ or solubility, the development of novel oral delivery approaches using lipid-based formulations has been of growing interest. Curcumin being a Class IV drug, has poor solubility and poor permeability. One of the biggest obstacles to its use in therapeutic treatment is this. Objective: In order to increase drug bioavailability, this research aimed to create Solid Dispersion Lipid Particles (SDSLs), in which Solid Dispersion (SD) was enclosed in solid lipid particles as the drug's core packaging. Methods: For this, Curcumin (CUR) was selected as a model drug, PEG 6000 was used as a polymer, Stearic acid was used as the lipid phase, and Poloxomer 188 was used as a surfactant. Different batches of SD were formulated by solvent evaporation method. SDSLs were prepared by the melt-emulsification ultrasonication method and characterized for their % yield, % drug loading, % drug encapsulation efficiency, zeta potential, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD studies, in vitro drug release, and ex vivo permeation. Results: The optimized formulation showed the highest % EE and sustained in vitro drug release. The release mechanism was Super Case II, and the Higuchi equation was the best fit for the data. Conclusion: SDSLs have sustained release effects and demonstrated enhanced ex vivo permeability which could lead to improved bioavailability. These studies demonstrate that SDSL could be a promising oral formulation for enhanced bioavailability.