Formulation optimization of solid self-microemulsifying pellets for enhanced oral bioavailability of curcumin

Solidification of self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) is one of the major trends to promote the transformation of self-microemulsion technology into industrialization. Here, a preliminary curcumin SMEDDS formulation was constructed to improve the druggability of curcumin, through the determination of equilibrium solubility determination, self-emulsifying grading assessment, and pseudo-ternary phase diagrams drafting. Furthermore, the optimal curcumin SMEDDS formulation consisted of 10% Ethyl oleate, 57.82% Cremophor RH 40, and 32.18% Transcutol P was obtained by the simplex lattice design. Besides, curcumin solid self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SMEDDS) was developed by the extrusion and spheronization process to achieve the solidification of SMEDDS. The formulation of curcumin S-SMEDDS pellets was screened by the single factor experiment and the process parameters were investigated using the orthogonal optimization method. Subsequently, curcumin S-SMEDDS pellets were evaluated by apparent morphology characterization, redispersibility study, drug release behavior, and pharmacokinetic evaluation. Results from the pharmacokinetic study in rabbits showed that the AUC0–τ of the curcumin S-SMEDDS pellets and curcumin suspension were 5.91 ± 0.28 µg/mL·h and 2.05 ± 0.04 µg/mL·h, while the relative bioavailability was 289.30%. These studies demonstrated that S-SMEDDS pellets can be a promising strategy for curcumin industrialized outputs.