Improving the Slow Release System Using Chitosan-Alginate Nanoparticles with Various Methods for Curcumin

Biodegradable polymeric materials have been used as a drug delivery system due to its encapsulation, release system and less toxic properties. Chitosan-alginate nanoparticles were prepared by ionotropic pre-gelation of alginate core, followed by polyelectrolyte complexation of chitosan and curcumin was chosen as a model drug.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of chitosan-alginate nanoparticles as carriers for curcumin using various methods.

Methodology: This preparation was divided into 4 methods to produce Alginate-Calcium-Chitosan (ACaK), Alginate-Chitosan-Calcium (AKCa), Chitosan-Alginate-Calcium (KACa) and Alginate-Chitosan (AK) nanoparticles. The amount of drug entrapped was determined by shaking the solution and then supernatant was analyzed for drug loading by measuring the absorbance, morphology, particle sizes and kinetics.

Results: The encapsulation efficiency was up to 85% in higher drug-polymer ratio and the effect of egg-box model made diameter of nanoparticles between 51 and 90 nm. The kinetic model of desorption for Alginate-Calcium-Chitosan, Alginate-Chitosan-Calcium and Chitosan-Alginate-Calcium nanoparticles followed Korsmeyer-Peppas.

Conclusion: This study suggests that these materials serve as suitable for uptake in capillary due to their nano-sized range and could stay long time into bloodstream.