Development and characterization of an amorphous curcumin-EudragitE100 solid dispersions with improved solubility, stability, and pharmacokinetic properties.

The development of amorphous solid dispersions (ASD) is one way to overcome the bioavailability challenges of poorly water-soluble drug. Herein, Curcumin (CUR) was dispersed in the polymeric matrix of EudragitE100 by solvent evaporation, giving ASD, donated as CUR@EudragitE100. Solubility and stability of CUR were greatly enhanced. DSC and XRD analysis confirmed that the incorporated CUR was present in an amorphous state. The interaction between CUR and EudragitE100 was investigated through FTIR and molecular modelling studies which implied that -OH groups in CUR, and carboxyl and amino groups in EudragitE100 involved in the hydrogen bond formation. High resolution atomic force microscopy was employed to directly visualize the molecular morphology of EudragitE100 and CUR in CUR@EudragitE100 and the interaction between CUR and the polymer. pH influenced CUR release profile in which the sustained release pattern was revealed vs the physical mixtures. From the plasma concentration time profile graph, oral bioavailability of Cur@EudragitE100 was approximately 5-fold higher than that of native CUR. These results confirmed the potential of designing ASD to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of CUR, simultaneously deliver CUR through this alternative administration route.