Abstract
Curcumin (CUR) is a natural substance extracted from turmeric that has antimicrobial properties. Due to its ability to absorb light in the blue spectrum, CUR is also used as a photosensitizer (PS) in antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT). However, CUR is hydrophobic, unstable in solutions, and has low bioavailability, which hinders its clinical use. To circumvent these drawbacks, drug delivery systems (DDSs) have been used. In this review, we summarize the DDSs used to carry CUR and their antimicrobial effect against viruses, bacteria, and fungi, including drug-resistant strains and emergent pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. The reviewed DDSs include colloidal (micelles, liposomes, nanoemulsions, cyclodextrins, chitosan, and other polymeric nanoparticles), metallic, and mesoporous particles, as well as graphene, quantum dots, and hybrid nanosystems such as films and hydrogels. Free (non-encapsulated) CUR and CUR loaded in DDSs have a broad-spectrum antimicrobial action when used alone or as a PS in aPDT. They also show low cytotoxicity, in vivo biocompatibility, and improved wound healing. Although there are several in vitro and some in vivo investigations describing the nanotechnological aspects and the potential antimicrobial application of CUR-loaded DDSs, clinical trials are not reported and further studies should translate this evidence to the clinical scenarios of infections.
Highlights
The global changes arising from globalization and climate change have a profound impact on human health, including infectious diseases [1,2]
The antibacterial effect of shear-thinning electrostatic (STES) hydrogel was demonstrated by the inhibition zone test against S. aureus and E. coli and by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), which resulted in values of 16 and 32 μg/mL, respectively
The crystal violet assay showed that CUR-AgNPs at Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) inhibited the biofilm formation of S. aureus, E. coli, B. subtilis, and P. aeruginosa by 78%, 82%, 85%, and 85%, respectively, which was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) [177]
Summary
The global changes arising from globalization and climate change have a profound impact on human health, including infectious diseases [1,2]. Notwithstanding the existence of anti-infective medications, other current concerns are the drug resistance arising from the misuse of antimicrobial agents and the emergence of multidrug-resistant species [4]. These problems are a challenge for humanity, especially when considering that the development of new drugs demands time and money. CUR is not soluble in water, unstable in solutions, and shows low bioavailability, poor absorption, and rapid elimination from the body [12] For these reasons, organic solvents such as ethanol, methanol, acetone, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) have been used to solubilize CUR [13]. Our review summarizes the DDSs used for CUR as an antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal agent, encompassing different nanosystems (colloids and metals) and the relevant issues of antimicrobial resistance and the emergence of new pathogens
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