Photodynamic Light-Triggered Release of Curcumin from Hierarchical FAU Zeolite

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a method used in the treatment of various diseases and represents a promising alternative to classical active substance release methods. According to the United States National Institute of Health, this therapy exploits the health-promoting potential of active substances, referred to as “photosensitizers”, and radiation of specific energy. Curcumin is a natural “photosensitizer” that exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer effects. Despite the novelty and innovation of PDT, the method is limited by the difficulty of using “photosensitizers” such as curcumin because of its low solubility in water, which hinders the clinical application of this technique. The use of a “photosensitizer” along with suitable carriers such as hierarchical zeolites is a potential strategy to offset this difficulty. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop the photodynamic release of curcumin from hierarchical zeolites using the classical open-circuit release method and a novel closed-circuit release technique involving light of different wavelengths. Based on the obtained data, it was possible to unequivocally state that the speed and efficiency of curcumin release from the zeolite carrier is influenced by light with a wavelength in the range of 430–525 nm (blue-cyan-green). As much as 53.24% of the active substance was released upon light exposure.