Project-Based Learning: Enhanced Drug Deliver through Micelle-Turmeric Complexation

An integral component of many traditional approaches to medicine is the regular ingestion of various plants. One such medicinal plant is the rhizome of the Curcuma longa (turmeric). Research has shown that the phytochemical, polyphenol curcumin acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory, when in combination with a plant-based alkaloid, piperine. The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin make it a versatile supplement for an array of potential clinical applications. We will report some of our results obtained in the Project-Based Learning (PBL) biomaterials course where we identify a problem (disease or condition) and design a bioactive device that has the potential to solve that problem. Our project involves the use of micelles as a drug delivery device for curcumin. One of the main hindrances for the controlled delivery of curcumin is the hydrophobicity, thus we propose increasing the solubility by suspension in micelles. Our poster will showcase some of our proposed chemical complexation reactions and the delivery mechanism of the micelles