The quest for enhancing the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs has seen significant advancements with the application of supercritical fluid technology. One of the latest innovations focuses on the preparation of curcumin submicron particles, aiming to boost the efficacy of this natural compound known for its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. A team of Chinese researchers has recently introduced the supercritical antisolvent (SAS) method, employing unique equipment featuring an externally adjustable annular gap nozzle, as detailed in their study published on March 14, 2025, in Scientific Reports.
Curcumin, derived from turmeric, has gained global attention for its therapeutic potential; yet, its clinical application is hampered by challenges such as low solubility and rapid metabolism. Traditional methods for producing curcumin nanoparticles often lead to inconsistencies in size and potential degradation of the compound due to high processing temperatures. The research team, led by Weiqiang Wang, proposes the SAS method as both technically and environmentally appealing by utilizing supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) as the antisolvent.
Utilizing the SAS method allows greater control over particle size during production, which is pivotal for enhancing curcumin's efficacy. The researchers initially performed single-factor experiments, followed by utilising Box-Behnken Design-Response Surface Methodology (BBD-RSM), which systematically evaluated the effects of four key parameters: crystallizer pressure, temperature, solution concentration, and the CO2/solution flow rate ratio. The results indicate significant findings—particularly, the flow ratio of CO2/solution significantly affects particle size, with optimal conditions set at 15 MPa pressure, 320 K temperature, and flow ratio of 134 g/g, resulting in curcumin particles with an average size of 808 nm.
The adjustable annular gap nozzle plays a central role, accommodating various operational conditions and addressing challenges faced with traditional nozzles known for clogging and inefficiency. The modified design reportedly increases throughput and reduces particle size dispersion. By enabling real-time adjustments, the nozzle helps researchers to navigate the throttling effects commonly encountered during the SAS process. This presents not only practical advantages but also showcases the potential for scaling such technology for industrial applications.
The characterization of the produced curcumin particles exemplifies the effectiveness of SAS; scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements confirmed significant reductions in particle size and improved uniformity when compared to unprocessed curcumin. Notably, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed changes in crystallinity, indicating enhanced solubility properties, which could translate to improved absorption rates within biological systems.
“The results indicated the flow ratio of CO2/solution had the greatest impact on particle size, followed by crystallizer temperature and solution concentration, with crystallizer pressure having minimal influence,” the researchers noted. This insight could pave the way for future studies aiming to optimize the preparation of similar bioactive compounds, reinforcing the significance of careful control of processing parameters.
The broader implication of this study extends beyond curcumin to the pharmaceutical industry at large, where enhanced drug formulations can lead to more effective treatments. This research demonstrates the feasibility of using the SAS method for preparing drug nano-micron particles, which holds substantial potential for industrial applications. Given curcumin's established safety profile and therapeutic properties, the advancement of efficient drug formulation technologies, such as the SAS method, is timely and could fundamentally alter therapeutic applications.
Overall, this recent study exemplifies the integration of innovative technologies and methodologies to solve longstanding issues related to drug bioavailability. The enhanced capabilities offered by the supercritical antisolvent method, particularly with the adjustable nozzle design, present exciting opportunities for improving the commercial viability of curcumin and potentially other drug compounds requiring nano-sizing for improved efficacy.