Alginate-based composite sponges were developed as carriers to prolong the gastric\nretention time and controlled release of curcumin-loaded self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems\n(Cur-SMEDDS). Liquid Cur-SMEDDS was incorporated into a solution made up of a mixture of\npolymers and converted into a solid form by freeze-drying. The ratio of alginate as the main polymer,\nadsorbent (colloidal silicon dioxide), and additional polymersââ?¬â?sodium carboxymethyl cellulose\n(SCMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)ââ?¬â?was varied systematically to adjust the drug\nloading and entrapment efficiency, sponge buoyancy, and the release profile of Cur-SMEDDS. The\noptimum composite sponge was fabricated from a 4% alginate and 2% HPMC mixed solution.\nIt immediately floated on simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.2) and remained buoyant over an 8 h\nperiod. The formulation exhibited an emulsion droplet size of approximately 30 nm and provided\nsustained release of Cur-SMEDDS in SGF, reaching 71% within 8 h compared with only 10% release\nfrom curcumin powder. This study demonstrates the potential of alginate-based composite sponges\ncombined with self-microemulsifying formulations for gastroretention applications involving poorly\nsoluble compounds.
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