Novel self-nanomicellizing solid dispersion based on rebaudioside A: a potential nanoplatform for oral delivery of curcumin

Abstract

Purpose: Rebaudioside A (RA) has nanocarrier characteristics that allow it to self-assemble into micelles in aqueous solutions. The purpose of this study was to determine if a self-nanomicellizing solid dispersion based on RA could be utilized as an oral nano-drug delivery system. Materials and methods: Curcumin (Cur) served as a model hydrophobic drug, and a Cur-loaded self-nanomicellizing solid dispersion based on RA (RA-Cur) was formulated. The properties of RA-Cur in the solid state and in aqueous solution were characterized. The antioxidant activity and mechanism of RA-Cur endocytosis were also investigated. The pharmacokinetics, biodistribution in the intestinal tract, and anti-inflammation properties were also evaluated in vivo. Results: RA-Cur could be easily fabricated, and it self-assembled into ultrasmall micelles (particle size ~4 nm) in a homogeneous distribution state (polydispersity index Conclusion: Self-nanomicellizing solid dispersions based on RA have great potential as novel oral nano-drug delivery systems for hydrophobic drugs such as Cur.