Development of a dual-phase solubilization system based on Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin /Eudragit® EPO for enhancing the dissolution of curcumin

Objective

This research aims to establish a dual-phase solubilization system for curcumin by combining solid dispersion technology with cyclodextrin inclusion technology, in order to improve the dissolution of curcumin.

Methods

A composition of curcumin containing Eudragit® EPO (EPO) and Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) was prepared using the solvent method, with the dissolution rate serving as the criterion for identifying the optimal formulation. The mechanism underlying this composition was analyzed through molecular docking, which were later corroborated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthermore, various characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), polarized light microscopy (PLM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to examine the characteristics of the curcumin composition.

Results

The investigations on dissolution revealed that the optimal formulation consists of curcumin:EPO:HP-β-CD in a ratio of 1:5:2, achieving an impressive 100 %. Molecular docking suggested that the incorporation of EPO enhances the interaction between curcumin and HP-β-CD, thereby stabilizing the system and facilitating improved dissolution. Characterization results affirmed that the composition is present in an amorphous form.

Conclusion

The synergistic use of EPO and HP-β-CD significantly enhanced the dissolution rate of curcumin, thereby potentially facilitating its clinical application.