Evaluation of drug delivery performance of curcumin by chitosan synthesized from the skin of the shrimp of the Gulf of Gorgan

Abstract

Chitosan nanoparticles have emerged as promising carriers for curcumin delivery due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mucoadhesive properties. This study investigates the development and characterization of chitosan nanoparticles for efficient curcumin encapsulation and controlled release. Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared using an ionic gelation method with sodium tripolyphosphate (Na-TPP) as a crosslinking agent. The influence of various parameters, such as chitosan/curcumin ratio and Na-TPP concentration, on the particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro curcumin release profile were evaluated. The results demonstrated that the chitosan nanoparticles possessed spherical morphology with a size range of 50–100 nm and a positive surface charge. The encapsulation efficiency was significantly influenced by the chitosan/curcumin ratio, with higher ratios leading to increased encapsulation. In vitro curcumin release studies revealed a sustained release pattern over a period of 24 h, indicating the potential of chitosan nanoparticles for controlled delivery of curcumin. These findings suggest that chitosan nanoparticles hold great promise as a drug delivery system for curcumin with enhanced therapeutic efficacy.