Curcumin and curcumin-β-cyclodextrin (CD) inclusion complex were successfully encapsulated in almond gum/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers using electrospinning procedure. The release mechanisms and kinetics of encapsulated curcumin and curcumin-βCD inclusion complex were evaluated in simulated gastrointestinal and simulated saliva conditions. The release data were fitted to zero order, Kopcha, Korsmeyer-Peppas, and Higuchi models to evaluate release mechanisms and kinetics. The controlled release of curcumin in simulated gastrointestinal and simulated saliva conditions showed that the nanofibers containing complex had the higher release in comparison of only curcumin at all time points. This can be related to the higher solubility of curcumin incorporated into the βCD. The release profile of curcumin and its complex were similar. Release kinetics of curcumin and its complex in both simulated gastrointestinal and simulated saliva conditions followed a Fickian diffusion mechanism. The release data were well fitted with Kopcha, Korsmeyer-Peppas, and Higuchi models with R² values higher than 0.9176.

Purpose: Ferulic acid (FA) is a poorly water-soluble natural antioxidant with anticancer activity. This poor solubility limits the application of FA in the food and pharmaceutical industry. Cyclodextrin nanosponges (CD-NSs) are a novel group of cross-linked CD derivatives which can be used to enhance the solubility of low-soluble bioactive compounds. Methods: In this study, FA was encapsulated into the NSs in the proportion of 1:4 (FA:NS). Diphenyl carbonate was used as a cross-linker in different proportions with β-CD. Characterization of obtained NSs was performed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. Results: Our results revealed that the solubility of encapsulated FA was increased up to fifteenfold compared with pure FA in the proportion of 1:4 (CD:cross-linker). The results of FTIR, XRD, and DSC confirmed the interaction of FA with NSs. The cytotoxicity of encapsulated FA against MCF7 and 4T1 breast cancer cell lines was investigated using different concentrations of FA in 24, 48, and 72 hrs. The cytotoxicity assay indicated that FA treatment reduced viability and enhanced apoptosis of cancer cells. IC50 value of encapsulated FA (250 ppm) was decreased by threefold when compared with pure FA (750 ppm). Conclusion: In general, CD-NS was found to be a suitable delivery system for poorly soluble bioactives such as FA.