ABSTRACT

The aim of the present investigation was to design and characterize nanocrystal formulation of curcumin for diabetes therapy. Formulation was prepared by High Pressure Homogenization. HPH cycles and pressure range were screened by preliminary batches (T1 & T2). 15 cycles were optimized and the pressure range was kept at 500-2000 bar. A Taguchi design was used to optimize type of polymers, Drug: polymer ratio, amount of SLS and HPH pressure. Formulations were characterized for particle size, % entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug release. Optimized formulation (NC 4) showed a particle size of 147.8nm, % EE of 85.35%, % DR of 77.46% and was used for further study. Zeta potential and PDI was found to be -39.63 and 0.252 respectively. Stability study was carried out for 3 weeks. It indicated no significant change in particle size, Zeta Potential, PDI and settling.