Mesoporous Cyclodextrin nanosponges￾based Formulation for the Effective Buccal Delivery of Curcumin

Abstract

Background: Curcumin (CUR), a bioactive compound from Curcuma longa, has limited clinical utility due to poor
solubility and low oral bioavailability. To overcome these challenges, this study developed mesoporous cyclodextrin
nanosponge (CDNS)-based buccal tablets designed for enhanced, bioadhesive, and sustained curcumin delivery.
Materials and Methods: Nanosponges (NSs) were synthesized through cross-linking and loaded with curcumin
by freeze-drying. Buccal tablets were prepared by direct compression and optimized using Box-Behnken design.
Characterization included particle size analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction, differential
scanning calorimetry, and evaluation of tablet physical properties, mucoadhesion, swelling, surface pH, in vitro drug
release, and stability. Results: Curcumin-loaded NSs (95–139 nm) were smaller than plain NSs (140–180 nm) and
exhibited low polydispersity with 20–35% drug loading. Spectroscopic and thermal analyses confirmed successful
inclusion complex formation. Optimized tablets containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K4M (16.59%),
Carbopol 934 (9.91%), and Chitosan (14.49%) showed acceptable physicochemical and mucoadhesive properties.
In vitro studies demonstrated sustained curcumin release superior to the pure drug. Stability remained consistent
over time. Conclusion: Mesoporous CDNS-based buccal tablets significantly improved curcumin’s solubility,
mucoadhesion, and controlled release, representing a promising formulation for enhanced buccal drug delivery.