Curcumin Nanocarriers Research Articles

Controlled curcumin delivery via carboxymethyl starch‐modified gamma alumina nanoparticles in a polyethylene glycol‐based hydrogel

AbstractOne of the most prevalent cancers affecting women globally is breast cancer. Consequently, the development of cost‐effective and low‐risk treatment options remains a critical pursuit. This study describes the synthesis via water‐in‐oil‐in‐water (W/O/W) of a pH‐responsive nanocarrier for curcumin delivery, a promising anticancer drug. The nanocarrier comprises carboxymethyl starch (CMS), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and gamma alumina (γ‐Al2O3) nanoparticles. The molecular interactions between the nanocomposite components, its crystalline structure, surface morphology, size distribution, and surface charge were assessed via Fourier‐transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential, respectively. The nanocarrier showed a size ranging from 150 to 280 nm, zeta potential of +35.4 mV, drug loading of 47% and an encapsulation efficiency of 87%, which are among the maximum values reported to date for curcumin nanocarriers. A gradual drug release was observed, with 51% and 90% released after 72 h at pH 7.4 and 5.4, respectively, which corroborates the pH‐sensitivity of the nanocarrier. The cytotoxic effects of the curcumin‐loaded nanocomposite on MCF‐7 breast cancer cells and normal cells were investigated using methylthiazolyldiphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry. The results demonstrated that loading curcumin onto the hydrogel significantly enhances its penetration into MCF‐7 cells. Overall, this novel nanocomposite offers a promising approach for curcumin delivery in breast cancer treatment.

Casein-alginate conjugates prepared from a transacylation reaction as novel nanocarriers of curcumin for enhanced loading capacity, pH stability, and bioaccessibility

Protein-polysaccharide conjugates are potential carriers to deliver polyphenols such as curcumin in beverages. In this study, the objective was to study properties of casein-alginate conjugates prepared using a transacylation reaction as carriers of curcumin. For encapsulation, 2 mg/mL conjugate was mixed with 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 mg/mL curcumin at pH 13.0 for 1 h, followed by adjusting pH to 7.0, 4.6, and 3.0 and centrifugation. The treatments had an encapsulation efficiency of about 80%, and the loading capacity of 18–36% was higher than studies using other protein-polysaccharide conjugates. The encapsulation resulted from hydrophobic interactions between curcumin and casein and the capsule dispersions were stable during 30-day storage at 4 °C and with additional 0–500 mM NaCl. Nanoencapsulation did not change the antioxidant activity of curcumin and resulted in 57% bioaccessibility, much higher than <10% of pristine curcumin. This work may be significant to deliver hydrophobic bioactive compounds in functional beverages.

Curcumin Nanocarriers with a Focus on Cellular Uptake Studies – An Innovative Cancer Therapy

Once a dye, curcumin (CUR) has transformed into a versatile therapeutic agent with antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Despite its potent anticancer effects, CUR encounters challenges such as poor solubility and a short circulation half-life. To address this, researchers utilize nanocarriers like nanoparticles, liposomes, and micelles for efficient CUR delivery. With its multifaceted anticancer activity, CUR holds promise as a cancer therapeutic. Recent studies concentrate on crafting nanocarriers tailored for size, charge, and functionalization, offering adaptable tools for combinational cancer therapy. The synergistic combination of CUR with chemotherapy, magnetic nano hyperthermia, or photodynamic therapy amplifies the efficacy of malignancy treatment. The investigation into CUR-loaded nanocarriers, whether used alone or in combination with other modalities, aims to enhance cancer treatment outcomes, highlighting the diverse potential of curcumin in contemporary therapeutic strategies. This research underscores the importance of combinational drug delivery therapies, providing a renewed perspective on the versatile applications of curcumin in modern medicine.

Curcumin Nanocarriers with a Focus on Cellular Uptake Studies – An Innovative Cancer Therapy

Once a dye, curcumin (CUR) has transformed into a versatile therapeutic agent with antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Despite its potent anticancer effects, CUR encounters challenges such as poor solubility and a short circulation half-life. To address this, researchers utilize nanocarriers like nanoparticles, liposomes, and micelles for efficient CUR delivery. With its multifaceted anticancer activity, CUR holds promise as a cancer therapeutic. Recent studies concentrate on crafting nanocarriers tailored for size, charge, and functionalization, offering adaptable tools for combinational cancer therapy. The synergistic combination of CUR with chemotherapy, magnetic nano hyperthermia, or photodynamic therapy amplifies the efficacy of malignancy treatment. The investigation into CUR-loaded nanocarriers, whether used alone or in combination with other modalities, aims to enhance cancer treatment outcomes, highlighting the diverse potential of curcumin in contemporary therapeutic strategies. This research underscores the importance of combinational drug delivery therapies, providing a renewed perspective on the versatile applications of curcumin in modern medicine.

Preparation and characterization of fine and stable short amylose nanocarriers for curcumin using a highly efficient and convenient method

To prepare fine and stable nanocarriers for curcumin using a highly efficient and convenient method, nanoprecipitation combined with ultrasonication and a high-speed dispersion (US+HSS) method were used to prepare short amylose nanoparticles with pre-formed helical structures. Their morphology, structural characteristics, and embedding effects for curcumin were investigated. The results showed that the optimal ratio of ethanol to short amylose solution and ultrasonic time was 4:1 and 4 min, respectively. The nanoparticles showed a small size (82.43 nm), relatively high loading capacity (11.57 %), and a peak gelatinization temperature of 97.74 °C. Compared to the nanoprecipitation method, the short amylose nanoparticles prepared using the US+HSS method possessed a higher V-type crystalline structure ratio. In addition, the US+HSS method was easier to use to prepare nanoparticles with high stability against NaCl, and the stable nanoparticles showed the best in vitro sustained release effect for curcumin. The Peppas–Sahlin model was the optimal model that matched curcumin release from nanoparticles during digestion.

Novel chitosan/γ-alumina/carbon quantum dot hydrogel nanocarrier for targeted drug delivery

Curcumin (CUR) is among the most natural and effective antitumor drugs for cancer treatment. These drugs have low solubility and short half-lives that reduce their effectiveness in drug release systems. Herein, a hydrogel nanocarrier containing chitosan (CS), alumina (γ-Al2O3), and carbon quantum dots (CQDs) was prepared by the water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double nanoemulsion method. DLS revealed a nanocarrier size of 227 nm, with a zeta potential of −37.8 mV, which corroborates its stability. FE-SEM showed its quasi-spherical shape, FT-IR and XRD confirmed the presence of all the components in the nanocomposite and gave information about the intermolecular interactions between them and the crystalline nature of the nanocarrier, respectively. The drug loading (48 %) and entrapment efficiency (86 %) were higher than those reported previously for other CUR nanocarriers. The drug release profile revealed a controlled and stable release, and a pH-sensitive behavior, with faster CUR release in an acid environment. The breast cancer cell line was examined by cytotoxicity and cell apoptosis analyses. The results showed that the slow release over time and the programmed cell death were due to interactions between CUR and the nanocarrier. Considering the results obtained herein, CS/γAl2O3/CQDs/CUR can be considered as a promising new nanosystem for tumor treatment.

Reductant-mediated unfolding of soy 11S globulin enhancing its interaction with curcumin

Loading hydrophobic bioactive with protein-based nanocarrier is challenged by inefficient encapsulation or colloidal instability. In this study, unfolding 11S globulin was induced by reducing disulfide bonds to form nanoparticles which served as effective nanocarriers for curcumin. Results revealed that 11S globulin unfolded after reducing treatment, as proved by the red-shifting in maximum fluorescence wavelength and the transitions of secondary structure. Disulfide-linked subunits progressively dissociated into their separate polypeptides and even vanished at high reductant concentrations. Reductant-treated 11S globulin was characterized by exposed hydrophobic regions, evidenced by the increased surface hydrophobicity and fluorescence quenching, which triggered the hydrophobic interaction between protein and curcumin. Finally, up to 98.77% of curcumin (0.5 mg/mL) could be encapsulated into 11S globulin nanoparticles. 11S-Cur complex exhibited superior thermal stability, with enhanced water solubility compared to the free curcumin. Accordingly, reducing treatment can be considered a facile and high-encapsulation-performance method to fabricate protein-based nanoparticles for embedding hydrophobic bioactive.

Curcumin loaded liposome formulation: Enhanced efficacy on performance, flesh quality, immune response with defense against Streptococcus agalactiae in Nile tilapia (Orechromis niloticus).

Application of novel trend comprising antioxidant phytogenics is aiming to minimize the stress related factors and associated diseases in intensive fish culturing. Today, the concept of exploiting and protecting natural antioxidants represents a paradigm shift for the aqua feed industry. Therefore, our principal goal targeting liposome as a novel nanocarrier for curcumin is directed to attain superior performance, fillet antioxidant stability and bacterial resistance in Nile tilapia. A total of 500 Nile tilapia fingerlings (average body weight, 10.27±0.10g) assigned into five experimental groups in 25 glass aquaria of 120L capacity at the density 20 fish/aquaria. The experimental groups were supplemented with varying doses of liposomal curcumin-NPs, LipoCur-NPs (0, 5, 15, 25 and 35mg/kg diet) were reared for 12 weeks and later Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) challenged model was performed. Inclusion of LipoCur-NPs (25 and 35mg/kg diet) had the most prominent impact on Nile tilapia growth rate and feed conversion ratio. The immune boosting outcomes post supplementing 35mg/kg diet of LipoCur-NPs were evidenced by higher myeloperoxidase, lysozyme and total immunoglobulin levels. Even after 4 weeks frozen storage, LipoCur-NPs at the dose of 35mg/kg diet prominently increased (P < 0.05) the fillet scavenging capability for free radicals (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) with an inverse reduction in lipid peroxidation biomarker (malondialdehyde). Notably, upregulation of GSH-Px, CAT, and SOD genes in fillet of 35mg/kg LipoCur-NPs fed fish coordinated with higher T-AOC and lower oxidative markers (ROS and H2O2). Post S. agalactiae challenge, higher supplementation levels of LipoCur-NPs (35mg/kg diet) greatly attenuated the expression of its vital virulence genes (cfb, fbsA and cpsA) with higher expression of Igm, CXC-chemokine and MHC genes. Concordantly, downregulation of inflammatory markers (IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-8) and upregulation of anti-inflammatory ones (IL-10 and TGF-β) were remarkably documented. Based on these findings, the innovative curcumin loaded liposome was considered a novel multitargeting alternative not only playing an imperative role in Nile tilapia growth promotion and fillet stability upon storage, but also protecting efficiently against S. agalactiae.

Fe3O4/HA nanocarriers of Curcumin to evaluate the anti-cancer effect in MCF-7

Fe3O4/HA nanocarriers of Curcumin to evaluate the anti-cancer effect in MCF-7

Curcumin nanocarrier carrying si-TAR-RNA binding protein (TRBP) restricts development of hepatocellular carcinoma

This study investigated the role of curcumin nanocarriers carrying TAR-RNA binding protein (TRBP) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We conducted a retrospective analysis of 60 HCC tissue samples and 30 normal liver tissues. TRBP level was measured in HCC. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated to analyze correlation between TRBP expression and diagnostic sensitivity of HCC. Survival factors were analyzed using cyclo-oxygen-ase (COX) univariate and multivariate survival analysis. The curcumin nanocarriers-loaded siRNA (si)-TRBP were transfected into HCC cells during in vitro experiments to detect HCC cell proliferation and invasion, whilst flow cytometry measured apoptosis rate of cancer cells. TRBP was highly expressed in 60 HCC tissues and positively associated with diagnostic sensitivity of HCC, with lower DFS and OS in HCC patients with higher TRBP expression, and FIGO stage and TRBP were indicated as risk factors for DFS and OS. High TRBP expression coexisted with increased HCC cell proliferation and invasion. Moreover, transfection of curcumin nanocarriers-loaded si-TRBP dramatically decreased cell viability and invasion, downregulated cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9, while upregulating Bcl-2. Collectively, this study demonstrated TRBP is upregulated in HCC and curcumin nanocarriers carrying si-TRBP, significantly suppressing growth of HCC cells, providing a theoretical basis for treatment of HCC.

Synthesis and characterization of bovine serum albumin-coated copper sulfide nanoparticles as curcumin nanocarriers

Cancer is among the most common causes of death in the world that affects a large number of people every year. Curcumin is one of the natural anticancer therapeutics with little or no negative effects. However, due to its hydrophobic nature, poor bioavailability, limited gastrointestinal uptake, and fast metabolism, its therapeutic applications are constrained. Therefore, the Bovine Serum Albumin-Coated Copper Sulfide anoparticles (CuS@BSA) for curcumin (CUR) drug delivery were synthesized and characterized, and then curcumin release from the nanosystem. Hemotoxicity, and cytotoxicity was investigated. This study involved the one-step synthesis of CuS@BSA nanoparticles first, followed by the addition of CUR. Then the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized employing Scanning Transient Electron Microscopy (STEM), Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques. The Size and surface charge (zeta potential) of synthesized nanoparticles were determined by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) to be 120 nm and −13 eV, respectively. The results showed that the CUR loading was around 15% and also the release pattern of CUR was dependent on pH and increased in an acidic environment. The results of the hemolysis assay showed that the synthesized nanoparticles are not hemotoxic. The investigation of the cytotoxic effects of synthesized nanoparticles on cancer cells demonstrated that CuS@BSA nanoparticles did not exhibit any toxicity and therefore are an appropriate candidate for drug delivery.

Octenyl succinate anhydride debranched starch-based nanocarriers for curcumin with improved stability and antioxidant activity

Curcumin is a natural antioxidant with health benefits such as diabetes prevention. Curcumin is poorly soluble in water and sensitive to oxidation, preventing its absorption through the intestine and entry into blood circulation. In this study, nanoparticles composed of curcumin (CUR) and octenyl succinic anhydride-modified debranched starch (OSD) were prepared and characterized. OSD samples with three different degrees of substitution (DS) were selected as starch-based carriers for CUR. When the mass ratio of CUR:OSD was 1:40, particles formed by OSD and CUR exhibited smaller sizes (100–300 nm) and better encapsulation efficiencies and loading capacities than the other ratio of CUR:OSD. Hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions between CUR and OSD were the major forces contributing to photochemical and thermal stability of CUR in the nanoparticles. Finally, stability and in vitro release experiments were conducted to examine the protective effect and applicability of OSD nanocarriers. The prepared nanoparticles showed sustained release of CUR with improved thermal stability, photostability, and antioxidant properties compared with free CUR. These nanoparticles may be useful as a CUR delivery system in the food industry. • Starch based Curcumin (CUR)-loaded nanoparticles were prepared. • Octenyl succinic anhydride debranched starch (OSD) were prepared as the carrier. • The encapsulation mechanism of CUR was speculated. • The starch-based carrier improved the stability of CUR.

Design and Fabrication of pH-Sensitive Curcumin Coated Gold Nanorods as Anti-Angiogenic Targeting Nanostructures

Curcumin's limited bioavailability, caused by its hydrophobic nature, is a significant stumbling block to its application. This paper describes the development of a pH-responsive targetable carrier that overcomes the challenges associated with using curcumin. The use of gold nanorods in the creation of curcumin nanocarriers aids the combination of plasmonic phototherapy with biotherapy. This study used the pH-sensitive release and receptor targeting nanocarriers poly-L-histidine and ATWLPPR. The carrier's components are confirmed through synthesis and characterization. At a concentration of 0.66 g/mL), the functionalized gold nanorod nanocarrier had a 32 - 43 nm size range. The gold nanorod level is increased to 1.33 g/mL by crosslinking them with amine-functionalized PEG. Curcumin was released in a pH-dependent manner by the nanocarrier. Furthermore, in vitro tests to corroborate the efficiency of this therapeutic model show that when gold nanorods are routed through the peptide, the intake of gold nanorods is doubled.

Phosphorylated walnut protein isolate as a nanocarrier for enhanced water solubility and stability of curcumin

The low solubility and poor dispersion of alkaline-extracted walnut protein isolate (AWPI) limit its application as a protein-based carrier for the delivery of poorly soluble nutraceuticals, including curcumin. This work investigated the physicochemical characteristics of phosphorylated walnut protein isolate (PWPI) extracted using sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) and evaluated its encapsulation ability. The results of phosphorus determination, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the phosphorylation of the extracted PWPI. Circular dichroism (CD) analysis indicated that PWPI contained higher α-helix and lower β-sheet contents than AWPI. The PWPI prepared at pH 9.0 and 11.0 showed significantly improved solubility, similar surface hydrophobicity, and increased surface charges compared to the AWPI. Fluorescence quenching experiments indicated that the binding affinity of curcumin to PWPI was significantly higher than that of AWPI. When bound to PWPI, the solubility of curcumin in aqueous solution was greatly enhanced, with an 8,700-fold increase at a nanocomplex concentration of 10 mg/mL. The complexation of curcumin with PWPI significantly improved the storage stability of curcumin. Additionally, the PWPI-curcumin nanocomplexes showed significantly increased antioxidant capacity. Phosphorylated walnut protein isolate showed greatly improved solubility and strong encapsulation ability, making it a promising nanocarrier for curcumin. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

A Novel Grafting-Onto Approach to the Facile Synthesis of Star-Shaped Poly(2-Oxazoline)S with Calix[4]Arene Core as Curcumin Nanocarriers

A Novel Grafting-Onto Approach to the Facile Synthesis of Star-Shaped Poly(2-Oxazoline)S with Calix[4]Arene Core as Curcumin Nanocarriers

Bioinspired synthesis of protein/polysaccharide-decorated folate as a nanocarrier of curcumin to potentiate cancer therapy

Curcumin is a promising anticancer agent, but its clinical utilization has been hindered by its low solubility and bioaccessibility. To overcome these obstacles, we developed a natural protein-polysaccharide nanocomplex made from casein nanoparticles coated with a double layer of alginate and chitosan and decorated with folic acid (fCs-Alg@CCasNPs) for use as a nanocarrier for curcumin. The developed nanoformulation showed a drug encapsulation efficiency = 75%. The measured size distribution of fCs-Alg@CCasNPs was 333.8 ± 62.35 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) value of 0.179. The recorded zeta potential value of fCs-Alg@CCasNPs was 28.5 mV. Morphologically, fCs-Alg@CCasNPs appeared spherical, as shown by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The successful preparation of fCs-Alg@CCasNPs was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of all the constituents forming the nanoformulation. Further in vitro investigations indicated the stability of fCs-Alg@CCasNPs as well as their controlled and sustained release of curcumin in the tumor microenvironment. Compared with free curcumin, fCs-Alg@CCasNPs induced a higher cytotoxic effect against a pancreatic cancer cell line. The in vivo pharmacokinetics of fCs-Alg@CCasNPs showed a significant AUC0-24 = 2307 ng.h/ml compared to 461 ng.h/ml of free curcumin; these results indicated high curcumin bioavailability in plasma. The in vivo results of tumor weight, the amount of DNA damage measured by comet assay and histopathological examination revealed that treating mice with fCs-Alg@CCasNPs (either intratumorally or intraperitonially) prompted higher therapeutic efficacy against Ehrlich carcinoma than treatment with free curcumin.Therefore, the incorporation of curcumin with protein/polysaccharide/folate is an innovative approach that can synergistically enhance curcumin bioavailability and potentiate cancer therapy with considerable biosafety.

Effective Oxidation-Responsive Polyester Nanocarriers for Anti-Inflammatory Drug Delivery.

BackgroundHigh levels of oxidants, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), are typical characteristics of an inflammatory microenvironment and are closely associated with a various inflammatory pathologies, eg, cancer, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, the delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs by oxidation-responsive smart systems would be an efficient anti-inflammatory strategy that benefits from the selective drug release in an inflammatory site, a lower treatment dose, and minimizes side effects.PurposeIn this study, we present the feasibility of an oxidation-sensitive PEGylated alternating polyester, methoxyl poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(phthalic anhydride-alter-glycidyl propargyl ether) (mPEG-b-P(PA-alt-GPBAe)), as novel nanocarrier for curcumin (CUR), and explore the application in anti-inflammatory therapy.MethodsThe copolymers used were obtained by combining a click reaction and a ring-opening-polymerization method. CUR was loaded by self-assembly. The in vitro drug release, cytotoxicity toward RAW 264.7 cells and cellular uptake were investigated. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effects of CUR-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (NPs-CUR) were investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and tested in a murine model of ankle inflammation.ResultsFast drug release from NPs-CUR was observed in trigger of 1 mM H2O2 in PBS. Compared with NPs and free drugs, the significant anti-inflammatory potential of NPs-CUR was proven in activated RAW 264.7 cells by inhibiting the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and increasing the level of an anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Finally, a local injection of NPs-CUR at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg suppressed the acute ankle inflammatory response in mice by histological observation and further reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the affected ankle joints compared to that of free CUR.ConclusionBoth the significant in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory results indicated that our oxidation responsive polymeric nanoparticles are promising drug delivery systems for anti-inflammatory therapy.

Development and Evaluation of Sustained Release Lipid Nanocarriers for Curcumin

Background: Lipid based excipients have increased acceptance nowadays in the development of novel drug delivery systems in order to improve their pharmacokinetic profiles. Drugs encapsulated in lipids have enhanced stability due to the protection they experience in the lipid core of these nano-formulations. Phytosomes are newly discovered drug delivery systems and novel botanical formulation to produce lipophilic molecular complex which imparts stability, increases absorption and bioavailability of phytoconstituent. Curcumin, obtained from turmeric (Curcuma longa), has a wide range of biological activities. The poor solubility and wettability of curcumin are responsible for poor dissolution and this, in turn, results in poor bioavailability. To overcome these limitations, the curcumin-loaded nano phytosomes were developed to improve its physicochemical stability and bioavailability. Objective: The objective of the present research work was to develop nano-phytosomes of curcumin to improve its physicochemical stability and bioavailability. Methods: Curcumin-loaded nano phytosomes were prepared by using phospholipid Phospholipon 90 H using a modified solvent evaporation method. The developed curcumin nano phytosomes were evaluated by particle size analyzer and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results: Results indicated that phytosomes prepared using curcumin and lipid in the ratio of 1:2 show good entrapment efficiency. The obtained curcumin phytosomes were spherical in shape with a size less than 100 nm. The prepared nano phytosomal formulation of curcumin showed promising potential as an antioxidant. Conclusion: The phytosomal complex showed sustained release of curcumin from vesicles. The sustained release of curcumin from phytosome may improve its absorption and lowers the elimination rate with an increase in bioavailability.

Recent Advances in Curcumin Nanocarriers for the Treatment of Different Types of Cancer with Special Emphasis on In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Cellular Uptake Studies

Background: The potential use of nanocarriers is being explored rapidly for the targeted delivery of anticancer agents. Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic compound obtained from rhizomes of turmeric, belongs to family Zingiberaceae. It possesses chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activity with low toxicity in almost all types of cancer. The low solubility and bioavailability of curcumin make it unable to use for the clinical purpose. The necessity of an effective strategy to overcome the limitations of curcumin is responsible for the development of its nanocarriers. Objective: This study is aimed to review the role of curcumin nanocarriers for the treatment of cancer with special emphasis on cellular uptake and in vitro cytotoxicity studies. In addition to this, the effect of various ligand conjugated curcumin nanoparticles on different types of cancer was also studied. Methods: A systematic review was conducted by extensively surfing the PubMed, science direct and other portals to get the latest update on recent development in nanocarriers of curcumin. Results: The current data from recent studies showed that nanocarriers of curcumin resulted in the targeted delivery, higher efficacy, enhanced bioavailability and lower toxicity. The curcumin nanoparticles showed significant inhibitory effects on cancer cells as compared to free curcumin. Conclusion: It can be concluded that bioavailability of curcumin and its cytotoxic effect to cancer cells can be enhanced by the development of curcumin based nanocarriers and it was found to be a potential drug delivery technique for the treatment of cancer.

In vivo and In vitro Biocompatibility Study of Fe3O4@ZnO and Fe3O4@SiO2 as Photosensitizer for Targeted Breast Cancer Drug Delivery

The present study aimed to prepare Fe3O4 nanocarriers (NCs) by a thermal treatment method. After the Fe3O4 (Fe) NCs was prepared, zinc oxide and silica nanoparticles were added to it as Photosensitizer. The structure, morphology, and magnetic properties of Fe3O4@ZnO (Fe@Zn) and Fe3O4@SiO2 (Fe@Si) NCs were determined by XRD, FT-IR, FESEM, and VSM. Then, the loading and drug release of Fe, Fe@Zn, and Fe@Si NCs were investigated. The curcumin (CUR) release of Fe@Zn+CUR and Fe@Si+CUR increased from 30% and 26% at pH 7.4 to 53% and 57% at pH 5.5, respectively. The cytotoxicity of Fe@Zn and Fe@Si NCs were determined by MTT assay, hemolysis test, acute toxicity, and lethal dose test. The results showed that Fe@Zn and Fe@Si were appropriate for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and in the next step, the effect of Fe@Zn, Fe@Si, Fe@Zn+CUR, and Fe@Si+CUR NCs on MCF-7 cells under visible light were studied. Finally, the ranking of the destruction of cancerous cells of MCF-7 using NCs under visible light was: Fe@Zn+CUR>Fe@Zn>Fe@Si+CUR>Fe@Si.