ABSTRACT
Objective: To optimize the technological process for the preparation of curcumin-(oleic acid)2[Cur(OA)2] loaded by mPEG5000-PLGA with modified solvent evaporation method and to characterize the nanoparticles[Cur(OA)2-NPs]. Methods: Using entrapment efficiency (EE), appearance, and particle size as indexes, orthogonal test design was used to optimize the preparation technology. Laser particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were carried out to evaluate the Cur(OA)2-NPs size, Zeta potential, and morphological characteristics. Results: The optimal preparation conditions for Cur(OA)2-NPs were as follows: Cur(OA)2-mPEG5000-PLGA (1:4); organic solvent-aqueous solvent (1:2); the stirring speed was 1200 r/min; Poloxamer 188 (F68) concentration was 0.3%. The Cur(OA)2-NPs were spherical and uniformly distributed, with average particle size 86.23 nm (range of particle size: 80-100 nm) and Zeta potential -23.8 mV. Conclusion: The modified solvent evaporation method is suitable to prepare the curcumin derivatives loaded mPEG5000-PLGA NPs.