Abstract: OBJECTIVE To develop a novel biodegradable, biocompatible curcumin loaded PCEC (PCL-PEG-PCL) nanoparticles for potential application in the drug delivery system. METHODS PCEC copolymer was synthesized by the ring-opening polymerization method and its nanoparticles (blank and curcumin loaded PCEC nanoparticles) were prepared by the emulsification-evaporation method. The developed curcumin loaded PCEC nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and etc. Drug loading capacity/efficiency was determined by HPLC. In vitro release behavior of curcumin from nanoparticles was also investigated. RESULTS The developed curcumin loaded PCEC nanoparticle showed almost spherical in shape with uniform mean particle size about 200 nm. The drug loading capacity of curcumin was appromimately (14.23±0.35)%. In vitro release study showed that 65% of total curcumin was released from nanoparticle after 3 days. CONCLUSION The developed PCEC nanoparticle is an excellent carrier for the curcumin with great drug loading and encapsulation efficiency. In vitro release study indicates that the curcumin could slowly release from the nanoparticle, which might have great potential application in drug delivery system.