N. SuwannateepS. WanichwecharungruangJ. FluhrA. PatzeltJ. LademannM.C. Meinke2025-03-102025-03-102013Skin Research and Technology1600084610.1111/j.1600-0846.2011.00600.x2-s2.0-84872169344https://repository.dusit.ac.th//handle/123456789/4969Background: Curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anticarcinogenic properties. However, the strong lipophilic compound is not easily applicable, neither in water, nor directly in o/w formulations. So far, loading of nano or micro scaled carriers has enabled only an uptake up to 30% of curcumin. Method: In the present article, curcumin was successfully encapsulated into two different safe and inexpensive polymers, ethyl cellulose and methyl cellulose blended ethyl cellulose with a loading capacity of ~ 46-48%. In addition, the in vitro skin penetration of the two curcumin encapsulated particular systems, which were applied each in three different formulations, an o/w, w/o lotion, and water suspension, was investigated on porcine ear skin using Laser scanning microscopy. Results: It was found that in comparison to water suspensions, o/w and w/o lotions enhanced, especially the follicular penetration of the encapsulated curcumin particles into porcine skin, whereas the w/o enhanced the penetration better than the o/w lotion. Furthermore, the application of ethyl cellulose blended with methyl cellulose improved the penetration of curcumin in all formulations. Conclusion: High loaded encapsulated curcumin systems, prepared from a simple and highly efficient encapsulation system can be used to transport curcumin effectively into the skin. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Ethyl celluloseHair follicleLaser scanning microscopyMethyl cellulosePenetration depthsArticleScopus