Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose-based sponges loaded self-microemulsifying curcumin: Preparation, characterization, and in vivo oral absorption studies
Novel hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC)-based sponges containing self-microemulsifying curcumin (SME-Cur) were prepared by a freeze drying method using different grades of HPMC (E5 LV, E15 LV, E50 LV, A15 LV, and A4C). The physical properties and drug release from these carriers were characterized and compared among the different formulations. The mean pore size values of the sponges from image analysis ranged from 43.36 ± 4.54 to 123.22 ± 8.19 nm.