Fabrication of modified Nicandra Physodes (Linn.) Gaertn. Pectin/sodium alginate composite gel beads for colonic delivery of curcumin

Sodium alginate (SA) gel beads are well-known carriers for curcumin (Cur) delivery, however their insufficient release efficiency in the colon restricts their application. To address this issue, we developed composite gel beads as Cur carriers, designated as PME-NPGP+SA, which comprised SA and pectin derived from Nicandra Physodes ( Linn. ) Gaertn. , modified with pectin methyl esterase. The encapsulation of Cur within PME-NPGP+SA gel beads was successful, achieving an encapsulation efficiency of 80.67 % and a retention rate of 87.20 % over a 10-day storage period. The incorporation of PME-NPGP fraction increased both the swelling rate and the colonic degradation of the SA-Cur gel beads without compromising their hardness. In subsequent in vitro digestion simulations, the composite gel beads showed an efficient colonic release rate of Cur at 49.98 %, outpacing the 28.93 % release rate of the SA gel beads. This study lays the foundation for the efficient colonic delivery of Cur.