DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v25i4.30

Keywords: Chitosan; nanomicelle; curcumin; mPEG–PCL; drug delivery system

Abstract

As a multi-functional drug, curcumin has a great potential for various applications in medicine. However, the use of curcumin is still limited owing to its high hydrophobicity, poor absorption, rapid metabolism, and rapid systemic elimination. Recently, the utilization of biodegradable polymers for curcumin delivery presents a promising approach to overcome these disadvantages. This study developed a drug delivery system using curcumin-encapsulated methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(-caprolactone) nanomicelles, which were then submerged in chitosan networks (cur-mPEC-C). Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry was employed to investigate the chemical structures of both micelles and nanocomposites. Morphologies of the nanocomposites were obtained through scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The average particle size of micelles between 144 to 182 nm was measured by DLS. Cur-mPEC with the average particle size of 144 nm (ratio of mPEC/Curcumin 8:1) was utilized as the optimized sample for incorporating chitosan. Curcumin-loaded mPEC/chitosan nanocomposites were produced by freeze-drying method and characterized. The drug release profile revealed that chitosan enabled avoidance of the burst release of curcumin.