Microencapsulation of curcumin by ionotropic gelation with surfactants: Characterization, release profile and antioxidant activity

The purpose of this work was to encapsulate curcumin in pectin beads by ionotropic gelation method in order to improve its solubility and its bioavailability and to preserve its antioxidant activity in the presence of surfactants (Kolliphor® HS 15, TPGS® and BiPro® BLG). Different beads were successfully produced and characterized for physicochemical characteristics. Encapsulation efficiency was greater than 75% in all cases of beads produced. Curcumin was transformed from crystalline to an amorphous state during the manufacturing process with Kolliphor® and TPGS® beads, inducing a rapid release of curcumin in simulated intestinal fluids.

Highlights

• Curcumin was encapsulated by inotropic gelation with different surfactants (EE>75%).

• Kolliphor® HS 15 and TPGS® increased curcumin solubility in comparison to BiPro® BLG.

• Kolliphor® and TPGS® beads showed a quick release due to amorphous state of curcumin.

• Kolliphor® HS 15 and TPGS® allowed to maintain antioxidant properties of curcumin.

• BiPro® BLG sustained the release but could not preserve curcumin antioxidant capacity.

Moreover, the antioxidant activity of curcumin seemed slightly changed after encapsulation and dissolution with these surfactants. On the contrary, with BLG and control beads without any surfactant, the release was lower and the antioxidant capacity decreased. This study showed that surfactants are significantly effective at enhancing the solubility and protecting the antioxidant capacity of curcumin and that their choices are essential.

Read more

Duc Hung Nguyen, Tihana Baric, Gaëlle Roudaut, Philippe Cayot, Marie-Aleth Lacaille-Dubois, Anne-Claire Mitaine-Offer, Odile Chambin, Microencapsulation of curcumin by ionotropic gelation with surfactants: Characterization, release profile and antioxidant activity, Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, Volume 76, 2022, 103812, ISSN 1773-2247, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103812