Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose-based sponges loaded self-microemulsifying curcumin: Preparation, characterization, and in vivo oral absorption studies

Novel hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC)-based sponges containing self-microemulsifying curcumin (SME-Cur) were prepared by a freeze drying method using different grades of HPMC (E5 LV, E15 LV, E50 LV, A15 LV, and A4C). The physical properties and drug release from these carriers were characterized and compared among the different formulations. The mean pore size values of the sponges from image analysis ranged from 43.36 +/- 4.54 to 123.22 +/- 8.19 nm. An increase in the concentration or viscosity of the HPMC, resulted in denser sponges and a slower drug release. The average microemulsion droplet size from the optimal sponge formulation was 34.80 +/- 0.1 nm, and the curcumin was almost completely released within 120 min. The AUC after oral administration of the liquid and solid SME-Cur were 7- and 5-fold greater than that of the curcumin powder in the rabbit, respectively. The results demonstrated that the HPMC-based sponges loaded with SME-Cur could be efficiently used to enhance the oral bioavailability and might be useful as they could be administered at a lower dose compared to normal curcumin powder. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42966.