Encapsulation of curcumin using electrospun almond gum nanofibers: fabrication and characterization

Abstract

In this study, the fabrication of almond gum/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite nanofibers loaded with curcumin or its -cyclodextrin inclusion complex (CDIC) using electrospinning process was studied. The preparation of inclusion complex was done using freeze drying method. The characterization of electrospun nanofibers was studied by FESEM, XRD, TGA and FTIR analysis. FESEM results showed that the fiber diameters were in the range of 98-169nm. XRD analysis indicated the crystalline aggregates of curcumin in the fiber matrix, whereas curcumin-CDIC did not show crystalline aggregates. Thermal stability of nanofibers increased after incorporation of curcumin and curcumin-CDIC into them. FTIR analysis confirmed the formation of the complex between curcumin and CD. The solubility of curcumin and curcumin-CDIC incorporated into nanofibers were increased up to 70 and 160 times compared with pure curcumin, respectively. The results showed that almond gum nanofibers can be used as a suitable carrier for hydrophobic compounds to enhance their solubility for application in the food and pharmaceutical industries.