Novel pH-responsive hybrid hydrogels for controlled delivery of curcumin: Overcoming conventional constraints and enhancing cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells

Abstract

Traditional drug delivery techniques often have drawbacks such inadequate bioavailability, quick clearance, and non-specific targeting, which may result in unfavorable side effects. Hybrid nanocarriers composed of nanoclay have the potential to be a viable solution to these problems. The goal of this work was to design a biocompatible hybrid nanocarrier that would release curcumin under regulated conditions to specific locations, especially cancer cells. FTIR, XRD, and FESEM were used to effectively construct and evaluate our polyvinyl pyrrolidone/polyethylene glycol/montmorillonite (PVP/PEG/MMT) hybrid hydrogels, verifying their synthesis and intended features. Zeta potential and DLS studies showed a suitable size distribution (∼300 nm) and high stability. The curcumin encapsulation efficiency and release profile were assessed using the use of UV spectrophotometry and the dialysis bag technique. The findings showed a gradual and continuous release that was highly impacted by the acidic environment (which mimicked the characteristics of cancer cells), suggesting pH-responsive activity. The MTT test was used in vitro cytotoxicity experiments to show that curcumin-loaded nanocarriers were more effective against MCF-7 cancer cells than curcumin in solution. Increased rates of necrosis and apoptosis in cancer cells treated with the nanocarrier formulation were further validated by flowcytometry. According to these results, PVP/PEG/MMT hybrid hydrogels have a lot of potential as a cutting-edge drug delivery strategy for curcumin. They may be able to overcome some of the drawbacks of traditional techniques and improve the effectiveness of treatment against cancer cells.