In vitro release kinetics of spray dried curcumin-loaded egg albumin microparticles

Curcumin-loaded egg albumin microparticles were prepared by spray drying and the in vitro release profile was analyzed for 72 h. Results showed that the curcumin release rate was controlled by egg albumin concentration. The initial fast release and further controlled release of curcumin was observed in all formulations. Release data was fitted in mathematical models and found that curcumin release from all the formulations were best explained by Hixson-Crowell model followed by first order. Best fit of Hixson-Crowell model (R2>0.99) indicated a change in surface area and diameter of the microparticles with the progressive dissolution of egg albumin as a function of time. Release exponent (n) values of less than 0.4 indicated the Fickian diffusion controlled release of curcumin from microparticles. Spray drying can be suggested as a suitable method to prepare microparticles with controlled delivery of curcumin