Evaluation of PVP nanofiber for enhancement of curcumin dissolution rate

Aim and Background: Curcumin, despite versatile pharmacological effects, has limited pharmacological application due to low water solubility. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of the solvent type and drug: polymer ratio in the preparation of curcumin: PVP electrospinned fibers in increasing the dissolution rate of curcumin. Methods: First a series of curcumin and polymeric solutions were prepared in different solvents and tested for their viscosities and conductivities. Curcumin nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning method using the selected solvent systems. The resulting nanofibers were tested for their morphology (SEM), mechanical properties, loading percentage, and drug release. To examine the possible interaction of the drug and polymer and the solid state of the drug in fibers FTIR, DSC, and XRD studies were performed. Results and discussion: Viscosity and conductivity of solutions were dependent on the type and volume of the solvent as well as the curcumin: PVP ratio. The solvent type influenced the properties of the fibers and the dissolution rate of the drug. Also, the diameter and mechanical properties of the fibers were dependent on the type of solvent used. The drug dissolution rate of curcumin from fibers was significantly faster compared to curcumin powder. The improved dissolution rate of curcumin was attributed to the increased surface area, the presence of hydrophilic PVP, and the amorphous nature of curcumin in fibers based on DSC and XRD results. Conclusion: Curcumin: PVP electrospinned fibers showed great potential for increasing the dissolution rate of curcumin.