Nanoparticle encapsulation using self-assembly abietic acid to improve oral bioavailability of curcumin

This research constructed composite nanoparticles ( NP s) using abietic acid ( AA ) as a carrier for significantly enhancing the bioavailability of curcumin ( CCM ). CCM -loaded AA NPs were synthesized using a low-energy microemulsification method, and the obtained nanoparticles had a spherical morphology with an average diameter of 458.66 nm, a narrow size distribution and a negative surface charge of −19.13 mV. The encapsulation efficiency of CCM was 17.98 %, while its solubility was 20-fold that of free curcumin. FITR, UV, and MD revealed hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic forces between AA and CCM . The   in-vitro   release profile showed sustainable release of CCM in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids up to 2 h at 37 °C. In cellular studies, CCM -loaded AA NPs with the same CCM concentration exhibited greater bioaccessibility and bioavailability than free CCM . These data suggested a possible utilization of AA NPs in improving water solubility, bioavailability and activity of lipophilic bioactive food factors.