The Influence of Non-Ionic Surfactant on The Physical Characteristics of Curcumin-Loaded Nanofiber Manufactured by Electrospinning Method

摘要

Electrospinning is one of techniques used for nanofiber fabrication as drug delivery systems. Curcumin possesses challenging properties as it has low solubility and poor absorption. Incorporation of curcumin into nanofiber is expected to enhance solubility and absorption. In this study, curcumin loaded nanofiber for oral delivery has been developed. Nanofibers were synthesized from curcumin and Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) with mass ratio of 1:10 using electrospinning method. Various PVP concentration from 5 to 10 % (w/v) were used. To further assess the variation in the physical characteristics of fiber, the influence of Polysorbate 20, a nonionic surfactant, was studied. Electrospinning of curcumin-PVP nanofiber with the addition of Polysorbate 20 yielded fiber with overall diameter of 350-400 nm. In the absence of Polysorbate 20, the diameter was higher i.e 540-660 nm. The highest diameter was observed in highest PVP concentration at 10% (w/v). Drug release study showed that more than 50% of curcumin has been released within 45 minutes in all formulas. Initial rapid release occurred in the formula containing Polysorbate 20. As a summary, the presence of Polysorbate 20 reduced the diameter of curcumin-loaded PVP nanofiber and enhanced the release of curcumin from the fiber.