Synthesis And Development Of Coconut Oil-Based Nanoparticle Encapsulating Curcumin For Anti-Inflammation Therapy

Abstract

Curcumin hinders the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), leading to a decrease in the generation of inflammatory cytokines. It inhibits the function of inflammatory enzymes such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and lipoxygenase (LOX), resulting in reduced production of pro-inflammatory mediators. However, its application has remained challenging due to its low aqueous solubility, and poor bioavailability, hence, nanoemulsion may enhance curcumin's solubility in water and enhance its bioavailability. The study involves producing nanoemulsion using coconut oil as the lipid phase, Tween 80 as the surfactant, and PEG-b-PMNT as a stabilizing and redox-responsive agent. The PEG-b-PMNT component enhances the stability of the nanoemulsion and creates a redoxactive environment, which may boost the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin. The physicochemical characteristics of the nanoemulsion, such as droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), encapsulation efficiency, and drug release, were assessed. The findings showed superior performance compared to a control nanoemulsion without PEG-b-PMNT and free curcumin. In addition to oxidation, an inflammatory response, several assays such as reducing power test, ABTS assay, and DPPH assay are used to assess the antioxidant properties of PNE@CUR. In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties of nanoemulsion are shown by regulating the production of nitric oxide (NO) from lipopolysaccharide and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay. According to the findings of this project, the effects of combining curcumin, PEG-b-PMNT, and coconut oil in a nanoemulsion formulation may provide a foundation for developing new anti-inflammatory nanoformulations with enhanced therapeutic effectiveness.