Release characteristic and stability of curcumin incorporated in β-chitin non-woven fibrous sheet using Tween 20 as an emulsifier

β-Chitin sheets containing curcumin—a naturally occurring substance that possesses several advantages biological properties including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities—were fabricated by the paper-making process using a water-based system. Using the chitin matrix consisting of small fibers could give rise to a large surface area that could improve the diffusion of solvent and reagent, so as to make the material suitable for use as support and carrier for drugs. Tween 20 was used as an emulsifier to improve water solubility of the curcumin. The change in surface morphology of the fabricated chitin sheets after curcumin loading was indicated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). A rough surface consisting of fibrous chitin could be seen both on the neat chitin sheets and the curcumin-loaded chitin sheets, while the increase in the curcumin content led the sheets to show an occurrence of spots. Investigation of the release behavior of the curcumin loaded into the chitin sheet was carried out by the total immersion method in an acetate buffer solution, pH 5.5, at 37 °C (simulating human skin). It was found that the amounts of loaded curcumin affected the release characteristics of the curcumin from the chitin sheet as a function of releasing time. In addition, the Tween 20 played an important role in the release ability of the curcumin to an exterior solution and in the stability of the curcumin present in the chitin sheet. It could be postulated that the water solubility, release ability, and stability of the curcumin incorporated into the β-chitin sheets was improved by the inclusion of curcumin into the cores of the Tween 20 micelles and the β-chitin non-woven fibrous sheet containing curcumin could be a promising candidate for would care materials.