Delivery Of Curcumin Research Articles

Design and Development of a Polymeric-Based Curcumin Nanoparticle for Drug Delivery Enhancement and Potential Incorporation into Nerve Conduits.

Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) impact millions of individuals in the United States, prompting thousands of nerve repair procedures annually. Nerve conduits (NC) are commonly utilized to treat nerve injuries under 3 cm but larger gaps still pose a challenge for successful peripheral nerve regeneration (PNR) and functional recovery. This is partly attributed to the absence of bioactive agents such as stem cells or growth factors in FDA-approved conduits due to safety, harvesting, and reproducibility concerns. Therefore, curcumin, a bioactive phytochemical, has emerged as a promising alternative bioactive agent due to its ability to enhance PNR and overcome said challenges. However, its hydrophobicity and rapid degradation in aqueous solutions are considerable limitations. In this work, a nanoscale delivery platform with tannic acid (TA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was developed to encapsulate curcumin for increased colloidal and chemical stability. The curcumin nanoparticles (CurNPs) demonstrate significantly improved stability in water, reduced degradation rates, and controlled release kinetics when compared to free curcumin. Further, cell studies show that the CurNP is biocompatible when introduced to neuronal cells (SH-SY5Y), rat Schwann cells (RSC-S16), and murine macrophages (J774 A.1) at 5 μM, 5 μM, and 10 μM of curcumin, respectively. As a result of these improved physicochemical properties, confocal fluorescence microscopy revealed superior delivery of curcumin into these cells when in the form of CurNPs compared to its free form. A hydrogen peroxide-based oxidative stress study also demonstrated the CurNP's potential to protect J774 A.1 cells against excessive oxidative stress. Overall, this study provides evidence for the suitability of CurNPs to be used as a bioactive agent in NC applications.

Non-covalent interactions between large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) roe protein isolates and curcumin: Implications for enhanced curcumin delivery

This study investigated the influence of heat treatment on the interaction of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) roe protein isolate (pcRPI) with curcumin (Cur), and heated pcRPI (HpcRPI)-Cur and pcRPI-Cur complexes were also prepared. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and surface hydrophobicity analysis indicated that pcRPI and HpcRPI bind to Cur mainly by hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, and hydrophobic interactions, and compared with pcRPI, HpcRPI showed better binding effects with Cur. Molecular docking analysis also evaluated the binding site and the forces between vitellogenin, vitellogenin B and C in pcRPI and Cur. Furthermore, HpcRPI-Cur could form gels induced by glucono-δ-lactone (GDL), while pcRPI-Cur-GDL exhibited a fluid state. The HpcRPI-Cur-GDL gels showed great protective effects on Cur in the resistant gastrointestinal environment. These results indicated that heat treatment will improve the application of pcRPI as a functional material in the food field.

Preparation and In vitro Evaluation of Folated Pluronic F87/TPGS Co-modified Liposomes for Targeted Delivery of Curcumin.

Using targeted liposomes to encapsulate and deliver drugs has become a hotspot in biomedical research. Folated Pluronic F87/D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) co-modified liposomes (FA-F87/TPGS-Lps) were fabricated for curcumin delivery, and intracellular targeting of liposomal curcumin was investigated. FA-F87 was synthesized and its structural characterization was conducted through dehydration condensation. Then, cur-FA-F87/TPGS-Lps were prepared via thin film dispersion method combined with DHPM technique, and their physicochemical properties and cytotoxicity were determined. Finally, the intracellular distribution of cur-FA-F87/TPGS-Lps was investigated using MCF-7 cells. Incorporation of TPGS in liposomes reduced their particle size, but increased the negative charge of the liposomes as well as their storage stability, and the encapsulation efficiency of curcumin was improved. While, modification of liposomes with FA increased their particle size, and had no impact on the encapsulation efficiency of curcumin in liposomes. Among all the liposomes (cur-F87-Lps, cur-FA-F87-Lps, cur-FA-F87/TPGS-Lps and cur-F87/TPGS-Lps), cur-FA-F87/TPGS-Lps showed highest cytotoxicity to MCF-7 cells. Moreover, cur-FA-F87/TPGS-Lps was found to deliver curcumin into the cytoplasm of MCF-7 cells. Folate-Pluronic F87/TPGS co-modified liposomes provide a novel strategy for drug loading and targeted delivery.

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

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.

The Construction of pH-Sensitive Starch-Based Carrier to Control the Delivery of Curcumin for Fish Preservation

The Construction of pH-Sensitive Starch-Based Carrier to Control the Delivery of Curcumin for Fish Preservation

Ovotransferrin Fibril-Gum Arabic Complexes as Stabilizers for Oleogel-in-Water Pickering Emulsions: Formation Mechanism, Physicochemical Properties, and Curcumin Delivery.

This project aimed to explore the influence of the interaction between ovotransferrin fibrils (OTF) and gum arabic (GA) on the formation mechanism, physicochemical properties, and curcumin delivery of the oleogel-in-water Pickering emulsion. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy results showed that OTF-GA complexes effectively adsorbed on the oil-water interface, generating spatial hindrance to inhibit droplet coalescence. The texture analysis also proved that OTF-GA complexes endowed oleogel-in-water Pickering emulsion with preferable springiness (0.49 ± 0.03 mm), chewiness (0.43 ± 0.07 mJ), and adhesion (0.31 ± 0.01 mJ). By exploring the coalescence stability, droplet size, and rheological properties of OTF-GA complexes-stabilized oleogel-in-water Pickering emulsion (OGPE), the higher coagulation stability, larger average droplet size (46.22 ± 0.08 μm), and stronger gel strength were observed. The microrheological results also exhibited stronger attraction between the OGPE droplets, a more pronounced solid-like structure, and a slower speed of movement than OTF-stabilized oleogel-in-water Pickering emulsion (OPE). Meanwhile, OGPE significantly enhanced the extent of lipolysis, stability, and bioaccessibility of curcumin, suggesting that it possessed superior performance as a delivery system for bioactive substances. This project provided adequate theoretical references for protein-polysaccharide complexes-stabilized oleogel-in-water Pickering emulsion, and contributed to expanding the application of oleogel-in-water Pickering emulsion in the food industry.

High Internal Phase Emulsions Stabilized with Ultrasound-Modified Spirulina Protein for Curcumin Delivery.

Spirulina protein (SP) is recognized as a nutritious edible microbial protein and holds potential as a natural emulsifier. Due to the inherent challenges SP faces in stabilizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs), ultrasonic techniques were utilized for modification. Noticeable alterations in the structural and functional properties of SP were observed following ultrasonic treatment at various power levels (0, 100, 300, and 500 W). Ultrasound treatment disrupted non-covalent interactions within the protein polymer structure, leading to the unfolding of molecular structures and the exposure of hydrophobic groups. Importantly, the particle size of SP was reduced the most at an ultrasonic power of 300 W, and the three-phase contact angle reached its peak at 84.3°. The HIPEs stabilized by SP modified with 300 W ultrasonication have high apparent viscosity and modulus values and strong storage stability under different environmental conditions. Additionally, the encapsulation of curcumin in HIPEs led to improved retention of curcumin across various settings. The bioavailability increased to 35.36, which is 2.8 times higher than the pure oil. These findings suggest that ultrasound-modified SP is a promising emulsifier for HIPEs, and is expected to encapsulate hydrophobic nutrients such as curcumin more effectively.

Functionalization of β-cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks with gelatin and glutamine for drug delivery of curcumin to cancerous cells

Beta-cyclodextrin Metal-Organic Framework (β-CD-MOF) is a unique class of porous materials that merges the inherent properties of cyclodextrins with the structural advantages of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). When combined with the concept of MOFs, which are crystalline structures composed of metal ions or clusters linked by organic ligands, the resulting β-CD-MOF holds immense potential for various applications, especially in the field of drug delivery. In this study, biocompatible metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) synthesized using β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) and potassium enabled drug delivery of curcumin (CCM) to cancerous cells. Functionalizing β-CD-MOF with l-glutamine (glutamine-β-CD-MOF) enhanced cancer cell-specific targeting due to glutamine's essential role in cancer cell proliferation and energy pathways. Amino group functionalization provided further functionalization opportunities. Gelatin coating (gelatin@β-CD-MOF) facilitated controlled drug release in an acidic medium. High drug loading capacities (52.38–55.63 %) were achieved for β-CD-MOF@CCM and glutamine-β-CD-MOF@CCM, leveraging the high porosity and affinity of amine and phenol groups of curcumin. The MTT assay highlighted the specificity and differentiation of glutamine-β-CD-MOF in targeting cancerous over normal cells. These functionalized β-CD MOFs efficiently encapsulate curcumin, ensuring controlled drug release and enhanced therapeutic efficacy, particularly in cancer therapy.

Self-Augmented Reactive Oxygen Species-Responsive Nanoformulation with Efficient Curcumin Delivery for Inhibiting Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Growth and Migration

Self-Augmented Reactive Oxygen Species-Responsive Nanoformulation with Efficient Curcumin Delivery for Inhibiting Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Growth and Migration

Chitosan/Histidine nanoparticles for controlled curcumin delivery: A potential strategy in anticancer treatment

Cancer, a life-threatening disease influenced by environmental factors, evolving lifestyles, and dietary choices, necessitates potent and sustained therapeutic interventions. This research explores the potential of chitosan/histidine nanoparticles (CS/HIS-NPs) as a controlled delivery system for curcumin (CUR), a promising anticancer agent. CUR was efficiently incorporated into CS/HIS-NPs via ionic gelation using sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) as crosslinker, and its impact was evaluated on Human liver adenocarcinoma (HEP G2) cells. Comprehensive analyses, including structural (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD)) and morphological (Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)) assessments, were conducted, revealing a robust encapsulation efficiency of 98.4 %. The nanoparticles exhibited an average size of 31.183 ± 13.822 nm for CS/HIS-NPs and 127.86 ± 44.344 nm for CUR-CS/HIS-NPs. Cytotoxicity assessments and in vitro release studies with CUR-CS/HIS-NPs demonstrated promising results, indicating the potential efficacy of the delivery system. This study introduces a novel approach to curcumin delivery and underscores the capability of CS/HIS-NPs as a sophisticated pharmaceutical carrier for sustained curcumin release. By utilizing a polymer matrix to govern release kinetics, chitosan/histidine nanoparticles emerge as a promising avenue for advancing anticancer drug delivery.

An Effective Method to Prepare Curcumin-Loaded Soy Protein Isolate Nanoparticles Co-Stabilized by Carrageenan and Fucoidan.

In this study, a novel and simple strategy is proposed based on 3D network formed by easily blending polysaccharide carrageenan (Car) and fucoidan (Fuc) without a crosslinker. The Fuc/Car dual coating effectively assists the self-assembly of soy protein-isolated (SPI)/curcumin (Cur, C) composite microcapsules (SPI/C) and achieves an excellent curcumin encapsulation efficiency (EE) up to 95.28% with a 4.16% loading capacity (LC) under optimal conditions. The resulting nanocomposites achieved a satisfying redispersibility in aqueous solution and enhanced the water solubility with a lower size dispersity index (PDI) of 0.12 and a larger zeta potential of -29.67 mV. The Fuc/Car double-layer network not only dramatically improved its thermal stability and photostability, but also provided controlled release and enhanced antioxidant activity in in vitro conditions. The underlying mechanism of the self-assembly of the curcumin-loaded nanoparticles was also addressed. The results proved the feasibility of the encapsulation of unstable hydrophobic bioactive substances (curcumin) with the dual anionic polysaccharide Fuc/Car co-stabilized SPI nanoparticles. This study paves the way for an alternative way of developing novel curcumin delivery systems and will have broad prospects in the pharmaceutical industries.

Advances in Nanocarrier Systems for Overcoming Formulation Challenges of Curcumin: Current Insights.

Curcumin, an organic phenolic molecule that is extracted from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa Linn, has undergone extensive evaluation for its diverse biological activities in both animals and humans. Despite its favorable characteristics, curcumin encounters various formulation challenges and stability issues that can be effectively addressed through the application of nanotechnology. Nano-based techniques specifically focused on enhancing solubility, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy while mitigating toxicity, have been explored for curcumin. This review systematically presents information on the improvement of curcumin's beneficial properties when incorporated, either individually or in conjunction with other drugs, into diverse nanosystems such as liposomes, nanoemulsions, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, polymeric nanoparticles, solid-lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers. Additionally, the review examines ongoing clinical trials and recently granted patents, offering a thorough overview of the dynamic landscape in curcumin delivery. Researchers are currently exploring nanocarriers with crucial features such as surface modification, substantial loading capacity, biodegradability, compatibility, and autonomous targeting specificity and selectivity. Nevertheless, the utilization of nanocarriers for curcumin delivery is still in its initial phases, with regulatory approval pending and persistent safety concerns surrounding their use.

Design and fabrication of functionalized curdlan-curcumin delivery system to facilitate the therapeutic effects of curcumin on breast cancer

We developed a facile method for the fabrication of a biodegradable delivery system composed of two blocks: curdlan and curcumin. This was achieved by chemical functionalization of curdlan through tosylation, amination followed by complexation with curcumin. A comprehensive evaluation of structural characterization and component stability showed that cur-cum complex exhibited better anticancer properties with enhanced thermal properties. The cur-cum complex shows pH sensitive sustained release behaviour with higher release at acidic pH and kinetic data of drug release follows the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The cur-cum complex has ability to block the proliferation of the MCF-7 cell line as revealed by MTT assay which showed increased toxicity of cur-cum complex against these cell lines. The results obtained from western blot analysis demonstrated that the co-administration of cur and cum effectively induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. This effect was observed by a considerable upregulation of the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, a decline in mRNA expression of LDHA, level of lactate and LDH activity. The results clearly depict the role of functionalized curdlan as efficient carrier for curcumin delivery with prolonged, sustained release and enhanced bioavailability, thereby improving the overall anticancer activity.

Sustained delivery of NT-3 and curcumin augments microenvironment modulation effects of decellularized spinal cord matrix hydrogel for spinal cord injury repair.

Decellularized extracellular matrix hydrogel, especially that derived from spinal cord (DSCM hydrogel), has been actively considered as a functional biomaterial for remodeling the extracellular matrix of the native tissue, due to its unique characteristics in constructing pro-regenerative microenvironment for neural stem cells (NSCs). Furthermore, DSCM hydrogel can provide multiple binding domains to growth factors and drugs. Therefore, both exogenous neurotrophic factors and anti-inflammatory drugs are highly desired to be incorporated into DSCM hydrogel, which may synergistically modulate the complex microenvironment at the lesion site after spinal cord injury (SCI). Herein, neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and curcumin (Cur) were integrated into DSCM hydrogel for SCI therapy. Due to different affinities to the DSCM hydrogel, NT-3 underwent a controlled release manner, while curcumin released explosively within the first 24 h, followed by rather sustained but slower release. The integration of both NT-3 and curcumin significantly enhanced NSCs proliferation and their neuronal differentiation. Meanwhile, the release of curcumin promoted macrophages polarization into anti-inflammatory subtypes, which further facilitated NSCs differentiation into neurons. The in situ injected DSCM + NT3 + Cur hydrogel exerted superior capability in alleviating the inflammatory responses in rat contused spinal cord. Compared to DSCM hydrogel alone, DSCM + NT3 + Cur hydrogel more significantly promoted the recruitment of NSCs and their neuronal differentiation at the lesion site. These outcomes favored functional recovery, as evidenced by the improved hind limb movement. Overall, the bioactive DSCM hydrogel can serve as a multifunctional carrier for cooperatively release of growth factors and drugs, which significantly benefits microenvironment regulation and nerve regeneration after SCI.

Revolutionizing Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment: Innovative Self-Nano-Emulsifying Polyethylene Glycol Organogel of Curcumin for Effective Topical Delivery.

In the current study, self-nano-emulsifying (SNE) physically cross-linked polyethylene glycol (PEG) organogel (SNE-POG) as an innovative hybrid system was fabricated for topical delivery of water-insoluble and unstable bioactive compound curcumin (CUR). Response surface methodology (RSM) based on Optimal Design was utilized to evaluate the formulation factors. Solid fiber mechanism with homogenization was used to prepare formulations. Pharmaceutical evaluation including rheological and texture analysis, their mathematical correlations besides physical and chemical stability experiments, DSC study, in vitro release, skin permeation behavior, and clinical evaluation were carried out to characterize and optimize the SNE-OGs. PEG 4000 as the main organogelator, Poloxamer 188 (Plx188) and Ethyl Cellulose (EC) as co-gelator/nanoemulsifier agents, and PEG 400 and glycerin as solvent/co-emulsifier agents could generate SNE-POGs in PS range of 356 to 1410 nm that indicated organic base percentage and PEG 4000 were the most detrimental variables. The optimized OG maintained CUR stable in room and accelerated temperatures and could release CUR sustainably up to 72 h achieving high flux of CUR through guinea pig skin. A double-blind clinical trial confirmed that pain scores, stiffness, and difficulty with physical function were remarkably diminished at the end of 8 weeks compared to the placebo (71.68% vs. 7.03%, 62.40% vs. 21.44%, and 45.54% vs. 8.66%, respectively) indicating very high efficiency of system for treating knee osteoarthritis. SNE-POGs show great potential as a new topical drug delivery system for water-insoluble and unstable drugs like CUR that could offer a safe and effective alternative to conventional topical drug delivery system.

One pot synthesis of UiO-66-NH2 containing curcumin and cytotoxic evaluation toward liver cancer cells

Curcumin, a potent natural compound known for its health benefits, encounters challenges such as low bioavailability and poor solubility. To overcome these obstacles, incorporating curcumin into metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has emerged as a promising approach. This study explores the in-situ modification of UiO-66-NH2 (UiO stands for Universitetet i Oslo) with curcumin, aiming to assess its release and delivery potential. Chemical, structural, morphological, and textural analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of the materials. Nitrogen sorption isotherm, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that curcumin addition led to decrease in surface area (from 829.6 m2/g to 679.92 m2/g) and porosity, as well as alterations in particle size (from 0.162to 0.068 μm) and shape from octahedral to spherical. The release behavior of curcumin exhibited pH-dependent profiles, with cumulative releases (∼20 % at pH 4.8, and 30.56 % at pH 7.4) fitting Kosmeyer-Peppas model. Biological activity assays indicated non-toxicity, suggesting potential for curcumin delivery.

Characterization and Drug Release Properties of Curcumin Loaded Native and Nano‐Sized Starches of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan) and Bambara Nut (Vigna subterranean)

AbstractStarches from underutilized sources such as Bambara nut (BAM) and pigeon pea (PP) can serve as new sources of starch. Starch nanoparticles (SNP) of BAM (BAMnp) and PP (PPnp) are prepared by nanoprecipitation. The physicochemical and pasting properties of the native and SNP are evaluated. The scanning electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), drug loading, and release studies of curcumin‐loaded starches and SNP are carried out. The flow, swelling, and solubility of the native starches improve with nanoparticle fabrication. Setback viscosities of the starches are in the order PPnp < BAMnp < PP < BAM. The integrity of the starch granules is maintained after modification. The FTIR of loaded starches shows no interaction between the entities. Reduction in crystallinity of the SNP is observed in the XRD diffractogram. The drug loading efficiency of BAM, PP, BAMnp, and PPnp are 48.55 ± 0.11, 49.00 ± 0.11, 55.44 ± 0.40, and 54.72 ± 0.11, respectively. The drug release is improved when curcumin is loaded on the SNP. The release after 6 h is 33%, 25%, and 2% for BAMnp, PPnp, and pure curcumin, respectively. The properties of the SNP showed that they are potential candidates for the delivery of curcumin, a poorly water soluble drug.

Chitosan based niosomal hydrogel with polyethylene glycol and halloysite nanotubes for curcumin delivery

The use of curcumin (Cur) as an anticancer drug is restricted due to its poor solubility and bioavailability. In this study, a pH-sensitive niosomal hydrogel composed of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and chitosan (Cs) was developed for Cur delivery. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of the nanocomposite and provided insights into the interactions between its components and its crystalline structure. Zeta potential analysis corroborated its colloidal stability, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed its spherical shape and size in the range of 514–554 nm. The homogeneous size distribution was corroborated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) experiments. Cs/PEG/HNTs nanocarrier showed high Cur loading and encapsulation efficiencies (44.2 % and 84.0 %, respectively), as well as a smart, pH-sensitive release mechanism over a 96-hour period, highlighting its potential for sustained and targeted drug delivery. Cur release data were well-fitted to the Korsmeyer-Peppas and Zero-Order models at pH 5.4 and 7.4, respectively. The reduced survival of U-87 MG human brain tumor cells in the presence of Cs/PEG/HNTs@Cur samples compared to Cs, Cs/PEG, Cs/PEG/HNTs, and free Cur corroborates the hydrogel anti-cancer properties. The percentage of late apoptotic cells in Cs/PEG/HNTs@Cur was higher than in Cs/PEG/HNTs and free Cur, which is attributed to the sustained and smart release of Cur from Cs/PEG/HNTs@Cur. The biocompatibility, stability, biodegradability, ability to effectively encapsulate Cur and regulate its release to specifically target tumors makes the designed hydrogel a highly versatile and promising nanocarrier for Cur-based cancer therapies.

Curcumin-Based Ionic Liquid Hydrogel for Topical Transdermal Delivery of Curcumin To Improve Its Therapeutic Effect on the Psoriasis Mouse Model.

Psoriasis is a systemic, recurrent, chronic autoimmune skin disease. However, psoriasis drugs have poor skin permeability and high toxicity, resulting in low bioavailability and affecting their clinical application. In this study, we propose a curcumin-based ionic liquid hydrogel loaded with ilomastat (Cur-Car-IL@Ilo hydrogel), which can effectively maintain the sustained release of drugs and improve the skin permeability of drugs. We used a model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis and demonstrated that local application of Cur-Car-IL@Ilo hydrogel can improve skin lesions in mice with significantly reduced expression levels of inflammatory factors, matrix metalloproteinase 8, and collagen-I. The expressions of iron death-related proteins SLC7A11 and ASL4 were significantly decreased after treatment with Cur-Car-IL@Ilo hydrogel. Flora analysis showed that the content of anaerotruncus, proteus, and UCG-009 bacteria in the gut of psoriatic mice increased. The levels of paludicola, parabacteroides, prevotellaceae_UCG-001, escherichia-shigella, and aerococcus decreased, and the levels of some of the above bacteria tended to be normal after treatment. Therefore, the curcumin-based ionic liquid hydrogel can be used as a multifunctional, nonirritating, noninvasive, and highly effective percutaneous treatment of psoriasis.

Shell‐sheddable and charge switchable magnetic nanoparticle as pH‐sensitive nanocarrier for targeted drug delivery applications

AbstractA pH‐sensitive shell‐sheddable magnetic nanocarrier was prepared based on Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles coated with polyethyleneimine (PEI) and polyethyleneglycol (PEG). The PEI was coated on Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles through an electrostatic attraction and the PEG chains were connected to the PEI via pH‐sensitive benzoic‐imine bonds. The synthesized products and final nanocarrier were characterized with FT‐IR, 1H NMR, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta‐potential, TEM, and vibrating‐sample magnetometer (VSM). The PEI, as a middle layer, was used to load the curcumin (an anticancer drug) via van der Waals interactions and the shedding of PEG as a hydrophilic corona at the tumor pH (acidic) could induce the release of the drug. The curcumin loading content was found to be ~15% and curcumin‐loaded magnetic nanoparticles (C‐LMNs) showed more triggered release at the tumor pH (5.6) than physiological pH (7.4). In comparison to pure magnetic nanoparticles (MNs), the C‐LMNs showed more cytotoxicity to human prostate cancer cell (PC‐3) and also resulted in an increased rate of late apoptotic/necrotic PC‐3 cells, assessed by flow cytometry analysis. In conclusion, the C‐LMN as pH‐ and magnetic responsive nanocarrier showed good potential for targeted curcumin delivery in therapy of prostate cancer.