Preparation and optimization of Chitosan-Montmorillonite nanocomposite formulations containing Curcumin

In this research, with the aim of improve the loading efficiency and particle size, Chitosan (CS)-Montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposite were prepared using a ionic gelatinization method for controlled delivery of curcumin and optimized via response surface method. Different variables (Chitosan concentration, MMT percentage, surfactant concentration, drug amount and sonication time) were used to determine the optimum formulation. Two parameters of polysaccharide concentration and tween volume were selected to obtain optimum formulation with highest loading efficiency and minimum particle size. Polysaccharide concentration, surfactant concentration and sonication time had higher effect on particle size. MMT addition significantly enhanced the entrapment efficiency of Curcumin and the optimal value for MMT was 3 w%. Also, the increase in drug amount (mg/ml) resulted in the increase in entrapment efficiency. Physicochemical characteristics of optimal formulation were determined in terms of entrapment efficiency, release profile, Size, Zeta potential, surface morphology and FTIR spectra. Formulation A2 with 23.8-31.3 nm diameter size, 93.71% entrapment efficiency and -38.73 ± 0.88 mV Zeta potential was selected as the optimum formulation. SEM and FTIR studies revealed spherical morphology and lack of chemical interaction between nano system and drug.