Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
07:53
Encapsulation of Cancer Therapeutic Agent Dacarbazine Using Nanostructured Lipid Carrier
Published on: April 26, 2016
Curcumin conjugated silica nanoparticles for improving bioavailability and its anticancer applications
Rajesh K Gangwar1, Geetanjali B Tomar, Vinayak A Dhumale
1Department of Applied Physics, Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DU) , Girinagar, Pune 411025, India.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|September 14, 2013
Summary
We enhanced curcumin bioavailability by conjugating it with silica nanoparticles. This novel silica:curcumin conjugate shows significant potential for anticancer applications, improving therapeutic efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Curcumin, a bioactive compound from turmeric, possesses broad biological applications.
- Poor aqueous solubility limits curcumin's bioavailability and therapeutic use.
- Nanoparticle conjugation offers a strategy to overcome curcumin's solubility limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conjugate curcumin with silica nanoparticles to enhance its aqueous solubility and bioavailability.
- To characterize the synthesized silica:curcumin conjugate.
- To evaluate the cytotoxicity of the conjugate for potential anticancer applications.
Main Methods:
- Curcumin conjugation with silica nanoparticles.
- Characterization using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA).
- Cytotoxicity assays against HeLa (cancer) and normal fibroblast cell lines.
Main Results:
- Successful conjugation of curcumin with silica nanoparticles was confirmed.
- The silica:curcumin conjugate demonstrated improved aqueous solubility.
- The conjugate exhibited selective cytotoxicity against HeLa cells with minimal impact on normal fibroblasts.
Conclusions:
- Silica nanoparticle conjugation effectively enhances curcumin's aqueous solubility and bioavailability.
- The synthesized silica:curcumin conjugate displays promising anticancer potential.
- This approach offers a viable strategy for developing novel curcumin-based cancer therapeutics.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
01:05Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Stability Enhancement and GI Retention
Improving a drug's stability in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is paramount for enhancing its bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness. Various strategies are employed to protect the drug from the harsh gastric milieu and to ensure its release and absorption at the desired site within the GI tract.Polymer coatings are one such method used to shield drugs from the stomach's acidic environment. By preventing premature drug release, these coatings improve the bioavailability of unstable...
01:15Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules
Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
01:16Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Solubility Enhancement
Bioavailability is a critical factor in determining a drug's effectiveness. It refers to the proportion of a drug that enters the circulation when introduced into the body and is, as a result, able to have an active effect. Enhancing bioavailability is essential for drugs with poor solubility, as it can significantly impact their therapeutic efficacy. Various methods are employed to increase the solubility of drugs, thereby enhancing their bioavailability.Micronization and nanonization are...