ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Magnesium oxide-doped chitosan-carrageenan complex for controlled oral delivery of curcumin in type 2 diabetes management

Dikshita Sharma, Archana Sinha, Suman Dasgupta, and Tarun K. Maji

Department of Chemical Sciences, Tezpur University, Sonitpur, India

E-mail: tkm@tezu.ernet.im

Received: 2 December 2024  Accepted: 13 August 2025

Abstract:

This study presents a novel controlled-release system employing magnesium oxide (MgO)-doped chitosan-carrageenan nanoparticles for the oral delivery of curcumin, aiming to enhance its therapeutic efficacy in the management of type 2 diabetes and address challenges such as low bioavailability, instability in the gastrointestinal tract, and low hydrophilicity. We used glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker and Tween 80 as a surfactant to optimise nanoparticle formation. The effects of variations in the crosslinker and MgO concentrations on the structural properties, drug encapsulation efficiency, release kinetics, and bioactivity of the nanoparticles were investigated. Comprehensive characterisation techniques—including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX)—have confirmed successful encapsulation of curcumin and effective MgO doping. In vitro drug release studies revealed a pH-sensitive release profile, which was optimised by varying the concentrations of glutaraldehyde and MgO to enhance the controlled release characteristics of the formulation. Specifically, the release pattern showed minimal curcumin release at acidic pH values, ensuring stability in the gastric environment, whereas a significantly enhanced release at alkaline pH indicates better absorption in the intestinal tract. Furthermore, glucose uptake and cell viability assays corroborated the enhanced bioactivity and biocompatibility of the formulations. These findings suggest that this novel nanoparticle system represents a promising strategy for improving the therapeutic efficacy of curcumin in diabetes management.

Keywords: Controlled drug delivery; Delivery of noninsulin drugs; Biopolymeric drug delivery; Sustained hypoglycaemia

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-025-04317-9

Chemical Papers 79 (11) 8191–8203 (2025)