Structural comparison, physicochemical properties, and in vitro release profile of curcumin-loaded lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticle: Influence of hydrotrope as interface stabilizers

Abstract Lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) is a nano-biomimetic lipid-based system, which has thermodynamic property that is peculiar to it, and suitable for its structural ordering, which facilitates more intimate contact with the tissues. The LLC as a carrier of curcumin has been much studied, however, this is the first time that hydrotrope method approach has been used in the lamellar system precursor of the LLC nanoparticles (LLC-NPs). Curcumin was used due to its pharmacological properties. However, bioavailability is limited by poor water solubility, high chemical instability and metabolic susceptibility. The aim of this study was developed and lipid-based LLC systems prepared by the hydrotrope method were evaluated. Unlike most studies, sodium lauryl sulphate and Poloxamer 407® were used as hydrotropes and the stability, dissolution rate, and physicochemical properties of LLC-NPs were evaluated. The analysis of results showed that hydrotropes increase the stability of LLC-NPs and modify the curcumin release profile. The structural ordering of the lamellar mesophase and LLC-NPs was revealed by microscopy of polarized light and laser confocal scanning microscopy, the results showed a structure with the maltese cross. The LLC-NPs arising from lamellar mesophase with hydrotropes into water-lipid matrices hosted curcumin in the hilum of the maltese cross, and controlled release of curcumin.