Synthesis, Characterization, and Study of Drug Release Properties of Curcumin from Polycaprolactone /Organomodified Montmorillonite Nanocomposite

Purpose: This study aims to intercalate polycaprolactone (PCL)/curcumin nanocomposite in the interlayer spaces of montmorillonite clay (MMT) modified with n-cetyl-N,N,N-trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) for improved drug release. Methods: Curcumin-loaded polycaprolactone/organoclay nanoparticles prepared by nanoprecipitation method were characterized by determining the size, zeta potentials, and encapsulation efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements of the nanoparticles were performed. The data obtained from in vitro drug release studies were fitted into different drug release models, and the mechanism of drug release was determined. Results: Result shows that the curcumin nanoparticles are round, discrete, and smooth in surface morphology, within the 155–206.5-nm size range, and have fairly low polydispersity index (≤0.37). Formulations containing MMT have higher encapsulation efficiency and drug loading than formulations without MMT. DSC analysis suggests no potential interaction between the components of the nanoparticles. Analysis of the in vitro data reveals that the power law best describes the release mechanism and suggests a non-Fickian swelling-controlled drug release. An initial burst of 60–75 % release was found at the sixth hour in the formulations and then a more sustained release afterwards. Formulations with higher MMT concentration showed slower drug release when compared with formulations with lower MMT concentration. Conclusion: This study suggests that the incorporation of curcumin into PCL/CTAB-MMT nanoparticles could result in improved drug release and also provided an effective way to further improve the antitumor activity of curcumin through the nanodrug delivery system.