In the heart of Lusaka, Zambia, a groundbreaking study is set to revolutionize how we think about one of nature’s most potent compounds: curcumin. Led by Fernando Bwalya, a researcher at the Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy Nutrition and Dietetics at Lusaka Apex Medical University, this innovative work could have far-reaching implications, particularly in the energy sector.
Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound found in turmeric, is renowned for its numerous health benefits. However, its poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability have long hindered its therapeutic potential. Enter aquasomes (AQ)—a novel drug delivery system that promises to overcome these challenges. Bwalya’s research, published in the journal Nano Select, delves into the formulation, characterization, and biocompatibility of curcumin-loaded aquasomes, offering a glimpse into a future where this powerful compound can be fully harnessed.
At the core of this study is the optimization of formulation parameters using a central composite design within the response surface methodology. This approach allowed Bwalya and his team to fine-tune variables such as the core-to-coat ratio, incubation time, and drug amount to achieve the desired particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential. “The key was to find the right balance,” Bwalya explains. “We needed to ensure that the aquasomes were stable, had a suitable size for drug delivery, and could effectively encapsulate curcumin.”
The team coated hydroxyapatite (HAP) cores with various sugars—lactose, sucrose, maltose, and trehalose—and loaded them with curcumin. The results were striking. The optimized HAP cores exhibited a particle size of just 55.41 nanometers. When loaded with curcumin, the sizes increased, with sucrose and maltose formulations measuring 215.6 and 329.5 nanometers, respectively. Encapsulation efficiencies ranged from 50% to 55.1%, with trehalose-coated aquasomes showing the highest efficiency.
But the real magic lies in the drug release profile. The study demonstrated a sustained release of curcumin, with trehalose-coated aquasomes achieving 90% release within 100 minutes. This sustained release is crucial for maintaining therapeutic levels of the drug over extended periods, a significant advantage in medical treatments.
Stability assessments over 90 days showed no significant changes, and photostability tests indicated improved protection against light-induced degradation. These findings suggest that curcumin-loaded aquasomes could offer enhanced stability and solubility, making them a promising strategy to improve curcumin’s bioavailability.
So, how does this translate to the energy sector? Curcumin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have been explored for various applications, including corrosion inhibition in pipelines and enhanced oil recovery. By improving curcumin’s bioavailability, these aquasomes could lead to more effective and efficient energy solutions.
The implications are vast. As Bwalya puts it, “This research is just the beginning. The potential applications of curcumin-loaded aquasomes are immense, and we are excited to explore how they can be integrated into various industries, including energy.”
The study, published in Nano Select, which translates to Nano Choice, underscores the importance of quality by design principles in developing advanced drug delivery systems. As the energy sector continues to seek innovative solutions, this research could pave the way for new, sustainable, and efficient technologies.
The future of curcumin looks bright, and with researchers like Fernando Bwalya at the helm, we can expect to see significant advancements in the coming years. The energy sector, in particular, stands to benefit from these developments, as the quest for cleaner, more efficient energy solutions continues.