Silica Encapsulated Curcumin: A Transdermal Patch for Enhanced Sustained Drug Release Along with Its Antibacterial Activity

Curcumin, the bioactive compound with strong antibacterial properties presents in turmeric faces challenges in clinical applications due to its poor solubility, instability and low skin permeability. In this study we aim to develop a curcumin-loaded, silica-based transdermal patch to enhance its stability of sustained release along with antibacterial activity. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are synthesized using acid and base-catalyzed sol-gel method at room temperature to optimize surface properties and drug-loading efficiency. Curcumin is incorporated into the silica matrix using sol-gel co-loading method after extraction from turmeric. Characterization techniques such as XRD, FTIR, DLS-Zeta Potential, BET are performed to know the elemental composition and binding patterns. [1] Release kinetics, including burst and sustained release, are studied in pH 7.4 and pH 5.5 media. The curcumin-loaded silica is then incorporated into a PVA/PVP/EC-based transdermal patch in three different patch formulations for comparative study and drug release is monitored over 144 hours using a Franz Diffusion Cell. Antibacterial efficacy is evaluated against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa)using disc diffusion method. Bacterial Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and bacterial-growth kinetics results highlight significant antibacterial activity of curcumin.[2] This study demonstrates a promising approach for transdermal antibacterial therapy, utilizing silica nanoparticles to improve curcumin’s slow and sustain release for longer period .The developed patch also provides biocompatibility and painless alternative to conventional antibiotics without any side effects. Furthermore, this herbal drug in the form of a newly synthesized patch can find its future prospects in the field of medicine (localized medication) avoiding oral administration.[3]