Curcumin based hybrid nanocapsules : self-assembly, characterization and biomedical application.

Abstract

Chapter I provides an introduction into the thesis topic and enlists the major aims, and Chapter II provides a literature review. Curcumin (CUR) is a natural polyphenol present in the rhizomes of Curcuma longa and possesses diverse pharmacological effects especially anti-carcinogenic effects against several types of cancers. Unfortunately, this novel compound has been clinically proven to have poor aqueous solubility and bioavailability that limit its pharmaceutical effects. Several nanotechnological approaches such as liposomes, adjuvants, and polymeric nanocapsules have been applied in order to overcome such problems. Thus, our present study aimed at developing two novel polymeric nanoparticle systems that encapsulate either curcumin alone (CUR-PAH NP) or with piperine (CUR-PIP-PAH NP). Piperine (PIP) was chosen based on its role as a glucuronidation inhibitor that has been shown to increase the bioavailability of curcumin. Chapter III describes the materials and methods used to achieve our aims. The NPs were successfully designed by self-assembled nanoprecipitation method and their characteristics were identified by FTIR, XRD, SEM, DLS, and Zeta potential. The drug release profiles were monitored under different pH, and their effects against colon cancer were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Chapter IV discusses our findings. The FTIR analysis showed that both CUR and PAH are present inside the CUR-PAH NP confirming a strong involvement of NH2 of PAH and enol form of CUR inside the NPs. Similarly, this analysis of CUR-PIP-PAH NP showed that CUR and piperine are present inside the NPs. The SEM images showed that CUR-PAH NP and CUR-PIP-PAH NP are spherical and their sizes are in the range of 80-100 nm depending on ratio of CUR:PAH and PIP:CUR. The XRD analysis proved the amorphous structure of the produced NPs. Results also showed that adding piperine to the prepared NP while fixing the concentration of PAH and CUR facilitates the encapsulation and drug loading of CUR within PAH. In Vitro drug releas