Development of a novel ionic liquid–curcumin complex to enhance its solubility, stability, and activity

Abstract

We report a one-step emulsification and rapid freeze-drying process to develop a curcumin–ionic liquid (CCM–IL) complex that could be readily dispersed in water with a significantly enhanced solubility of ∼8 mg mL⁻¹ and half-life (t_1/2) of ∼260 min compared with free CCM (solubility ∼30 nM and t_1/2 ∼ 20 min). This process using an IL consisting of a long chain carbon backbone as a surfactant, may provide an alternative way of enhancing the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs.