Hollow microcapsules built by layer by layer assembly for the encapsulation and sustained release of curcumin

Hollow microcapsules fabricated by layer-by-layer assembly (LbL) using oppositely charged polyelectrolytes have figured in studies towards the design of novel drug delivery systems. The possibility of loading a fair amount of active component of poor aqueous solubility is one of the encouraging factors on the wide spread interest of this emerging technology. Curcumin has potent anti-cancer properties. Clinical application of this efficacious agent in cancer and other diseases has been limited due to poor aqueous solubility and consequently minimal systemic bioavailability. LbL constructed polyelectrolyte microcapsules based drug delivery systems have the potential for dispersing hydrophobic agent like curcumin in aqueous media. Here we report the preparation of LbL assembled microcapsules composed of poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonic acid) and poly(ethylene imine) one after another. The microcapsules were characterized using various analytical techniques. Curcumin was encapsulated in these microcapsules and the efficacy of the released curcumin was studied using L929 cells.