Real-Time Monitoring of Curcumin Release with a Lipid–Curcumin-Loaded Silica Colloidal Crystal Film Using Optical Interferometry

Abstract

A novel efficacious strategy for real-time monitoring of the release of hydrophobic cargo curcumin (molecule model nutraceuticals) from a lipid–curcumin-loaded silica colloidal crystal (L(Cur)-SCC) film controlled by lipase was developed. Curcumin was dispersed in a proportion of a digestible lipid complex (glycerol trioleate and glycerol tristearate) to prepare a lipid–curcumin complex and then loaded into the SCC film by a capillary to prepare an L(Cur)-SCC film. Lipase-triggered degradation of the digestible lipid complex resulted in curcumin release being tracked in real-time by ordered porous layer interferometry (OPLI). The optical thickness changes (ΔOT) of the L(Cur)-SCC film depend on the mass changes of the lipid–curcumin complex due to the migration of interference fringes caused by the lipase degradation of the digestible lipid complex. Curcumin release from the L(Cur)-SCC film was characterized and analyzed in combination with an ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer, a nanoparticle size analyzer, and an attenuated total reflection infrared spectrometer. The introduction of a soluble dietary fiber (pectin) into the L(Cur)-SCC film delayed the release rate of curcumin. Furthermore, the real-time sustained release of curcumin from the L(Cur)-SCC film in the simulated digestive fluids was tracked. This study provides an early exploration of the real-time controlled release of lipid-soluble nutraceuticals in the gastrointestinal tract.

From Self-Assembly of Colloidal Crystals toward Ordered Porous Layer Interferometry

“…Liu et al analyzed the different hydrolysis behaviors of vegetable oils that were composed of different nutrients to provide bioavailability information for functional food design [96]. In a similar approach, the release of hydrophobic functional nutraceuticals, such as curcumin, carried by lipids can also be monitored [105], indicating the OPLI platform is capable of conducting research on controlled-release carriers.…”

Measurement of enzyme activity of insoluble substrates based on ordered porous layer interferometry and the application in evaluation of thrombolytic drugs

“…[14][15][16] Based on this, self-assembled silica colloidal crystal (SCC) thin film interferometric substrates, boasting high specific surface area, high ordering, 17 high stability, 18 and a controllable design, have been employed as interferometric substrates to conceive an Ordered Porous Layer Interference (OPLI) system. [15][16][17][18][19] Contrasting with diffraction peak positions that depend on the periodic structures and average refractive index, the interference fringes of the ordered porous layer hinge on the Optical Thickness (OT) value, 14 which is the product of the average refractive index 'n' and the physical thickness 'd'. 20 The Sailor group has spearheaded innovative research in using porous silicon ( pSi) as a matrix for substrate immobilization to assay enzyme activity.…”

“…12,13 They offer a unique opportunity to dynamically monitor the interaction processes between large biomolecules, yielding results that traditional analysis methods often find elusive. [14][15][16] Based on this, self-assembled silica colloidal crystal (SCC) thin film interferometric substrates, boasting high specific surface area, high ordering, 17 high stability, 18 and a controllable design, have been employed as interferometric substrates to conceive an Ordered Porous Layer Interference (OPLI) system. [15][16][17][18][19] Contrasting with diffraction peak positions that depend on the periodic structures and average refractive index, the interference fringes of the ordered porous layer hinge on the Optical Thickness (OT) value, 14 which is the product of the average refractive index 'n' and the physical thickness 'd'.…”

Development of a Methodology Based on Optical Interferometry for Measuring Fibrinolytic Activity

“…In our previous work, an optical interference was preliminarily constructed, and its degradation process was observed by enzymes using the OPLI system . In addition, the OPLI system had enabled real-time label-free analysis of gelatin degradation, lipolysis, curcumin release, and complex fluids. ,− …”