Development of Gelucire® 48/16 and TPGS Mixed Micelles and Its Pellet Formulation by Extrusion Spheronization Technique for Dissolution Rate Enhancement of Curcumin

The oral bioavailability of curcumin is limited, attributed to its low solubility or dissolution and poor absorption. Herein, the study describes formulation curcumin-loaded mixed micelles Gelucire® 48/16 TPGS for rate enhancement. Curcumin was dispersed in these molten lipidic surfactants which then adsorbed on carrier formulated as pellets by extrusion spheronization. Critical micelle concentration (CMC) binary mixture lower than their individual CMC demonstrating synergistic behavior mixture. Thermodynamic parameters like partition coefficient Gibbs free energy solubilization indicated that were more efficient components solubilization. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) suggested slight increase micellar size suggesting loading micelles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed phenolic hydroxyl group interacts with lipids contribute enhanced solubility. Furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) X-ray diffraction (XRD) conversion crystalline into amorphous form. In pellet formulation, acted a binder eliminated requirement additional binder. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) forms wet mass retards release from pellets. Increase water-soluble diluent increased drug release. optimized released 90% maintains supersaturation level 2 h. Thus, system effective delivery while an interesting strategy consisting semi-solid lipids.