Physicochemical characterization of curcuminoid-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles

Curcuminoid-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) were produced by melt-homogenization. The used lipid matrices were medium chain triglycerides, trimyristin and tristearin. The resulting nanoparticles had an anisometric shape and a platelet-like structure. Curcuminoid-loaded trimyristin particles did not solidify when stored at room temperature. The supercooled state of trimyristin was studied by DSC and H-1 NMR experiments. A partial recrystallization of the lipid matrix was detected but no change of the mobility of the lipid was noted. Nanoparticles based on tristearin had an alpha- and beta-modification which was subsequently converted into the stable beta-phase. Curcuminoids did neither influence the melting behavior nor the crystalline or geometric structure of the particles. The interactions between the curcuminoids and the lipid matrix were investigated by Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy. The shape of the curcuminoid bands in the Raman spectra suggested that the drug was in an amorphous state. The fluorescence spectra showed an effect of the lipid matrix on fluorescence properties of the curcuminoids. It was further demonstrated that the drug was not secluded by the solid lipid matrix, but it was influenced by the surrounding aqueous environment. Fluorescence anisotropy measurements revealed a decreased mobility of the curcuminoids within the nanodispersions. From the results of Raman and fluorescence measurements it was concluded that the drug was mainly located on the surface of the crystalline particles. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.