Surfactin effectively improves bioavailability of curcumin by formation of nano-capsulation

To improve the bioavailability of curcumin, surfactin was used to prepare curcumin-loaded nanoemulsions (Cur-NEs). Moreover, the physicochemical properties, digestive characteristics, as well as inhibition activity to Caco-2 cells of Cur-NEs were measured. Furthermore, the morphological analysis revealed that Cur-NEs with 320 mg/L surfactin appeared spherical nanoparticale (23.23 +/- 2.86 nm) and uniform distribution. The encapsulation efficiency of Cur-NEs with 320 mg/L surfactin was 97.25 +/- 1.28%. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion results indicated that surfactin elevated the sustained-release characteristics and higher bioaccessibility (40.92 +/- 2.84%) of curcumin. Besides, Cur-NEs with 320 mg/L surfactin exhibited excellent stability in different temperature, pH and light irradiation. In addition, the inhibition of Cur-NEs with 320 mg/L surfactin to Caco-2 cells was 71.29%. Biochemical analysis showed that Cur-NEs enhanced the activity of lactate dehydrogenase, su-peroxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, as well as the reactive oxygen species content. RT-PCR and ELISA results also revealed that Cur-NEs inhibited Caco-2 cells through the activated mitochondria-mediated pathway. This study provided a strategy to encapsulate curcumin in nanoparticles with surfactin for improving bioavailability.

Automated summary

This study explored the use of surfactin to prepare curcumin-loaded nanoemulsions (Cur-NEs) for improving bioavailability. The results showed that Cur-NEs with 320 mg/L surfactin exhibited spherical nanoparticles with uniform distribution. They also showed higher encapsulation efficiency, sustained-release characteristics, and improved stability. Furthermore, Cur-NEs demonstrated inhibition activity to Caco-2 cells through the activated mitochondria-mediated pathway. These findings highlight the potential of using surfactin to encapsulate curcumin in nanoparticles to enhance its bioavailability.