A mesostructured hybrid CTA–silica carrier for curcumin delivery

• Published in: Journal of sol-gel science and technology 2020-10, Vol.96 (1), p.236-246
• Main Authors: Gallo, Marta, Giudice, Fabio, Banchero, Mauro, Ronchetti, Silvia, Manna, Luigi, Onida, Barbara
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antioxidants; Bioavailability; Ceramics; Chemistry and Materials Science; Composites; Degradation; Drug delivery systems; Glass; Inorganic Chemistry; Materials Science; Morphology; Nanotechnology; Natural Materials; Optical and Electronic Materials; Original Paper: Sol–gel and hybrid materials for biological and health (medical) applications; Physiology; Saline solutions; Silicates; Silicon dioxide; Sol-gel processes; Solubility; Surfactants; Sweat
• ISSN: 0928-0707; 1573-4846
• DOI: 10.1007/s10971-020-05374-0

Curcumin is a natural active principle with antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Its use is limited by a low water solubility and fast degradation rate, which hinder its bioavailability. To overcome this problem, curcumin can be delivered through a carrier, which protects the drug molecule and enhances its pharmacological effects. The present work proposes a simple one-pot sol–gel synthesis to obtain a hybrid carrier for curcumin delivery. The hybrid consists of a mesostructured matrix of amorphous silica, which stabilizes the carrier, and hexadecyltrimethylammonium (CTA), a surfactant where curcumin is dissolved to increase its water solubility. The carrier was characterized in terms of morphology (FESEM), physicochemical properties (XRD, FTIR, UV spectroscopy) and release capability in pseudo-physiological solutions. Results show that curcumin molecules were entrapped, for the first time, in a silica-surfactant mesostructured hybrid carrier. The hybrid carrier successfully released curcumin in artificial sweat and in a phosphate buffer saline solution, so confirming its efficacy in increasing curcumin water solubility. The proposed drug release mechanism relies on the degradation of the carrier, which involves the concurrent release of silicon. This suggests strong potentialities for topical administration applications, since curcumin is effective against many dermal diseases while silicon is beneficial to the skin. A simple one-pot sol–gel organic-solvent-free synthesis, at room temperature, leads to the formation of a hybrid mesostructured CTA–silica containing curcumin. When in pseudo-physiological solutions, the hybrid releases curcumin (enclosed in surfactant micelles), with enhanced solubility, and silicates. This material is a promising candidate for topical administration of drugs, since curcumin is effective against several dermatological diseases and silicon is beneficial to skin. Highlights A novel mesostructured curcumin-containing hybrid carrier was successfully synthesized. The hybrid enhances curcumin solubility in pseudo-physiological conditions (e.g., artificial sweat). Curcumin release is governed by a degradation process of the silica matrix. Degradation of the hybrid induces the simultaneous release of curcumin, silicates, and surfactant.