Courier properties of modified citrus pectinate-chitosan nanoparticles in colon delivery of curcumin

We aimed to probe the carrier properties of a colon-targeted curcumin-containing modified pectinate-chitosan nanoparticulate carrier system (MCPCNPs), in simulated colonic condition. The MCPCNPs were prepared via ionic gelation. There was a reduction in zeta potential (ZP) of the MCPCNPs at pH 1.2 and a more significant reduction at pH 7.0, both mucin concentration-dependent. A reduction in ZP correlates mucoadhesive propensity. Nanoparticle tracking analyses (NTA) revealed an increase in hydrodynamic radii of the MCPCNPs from 218.1 (+/- 4.9) nm to 291.7 (+/- 7.8) nm upon exposure to mucin at pH 7.0. The MCPCNPs were less toxic to HT-29 and HCT-116 compared to the unmodified pectinate-chitosan nanoparticulate (UCPCNPs) and free curcumin solution in a dose-time manner. Qualitative and quantitative analyses confirmed enhanced cellular uptake of curcumin from MCPCNPs compared to UCPCNPs. These findings point to the potential application of MCPCNPs in the oral delivery of curcumin in the treatment of colon cancer.