Curcumin-cyclodextrin encapsulated chitosan nanoconjugates with enhanced solubility and cell cytotoxicity

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Curcumin (CUR) is a promising natural anti-cancer compound with poor solubility.
• Existing formulations have not yet achieved market success as anti-cancer drugs.
• Developing effective delivery systems is crucial for CUR's therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create highly soluble CUR-γ-hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin (CUR-CD) hollow spheres.
• To encapsulate CUR-CD into biodegradable chitosan (CUR-CD-CS) nanoparticles.
• To evaluate the anti-cancer efficacy and cellular uptake of CUR-CD-CS nanoparticles and their potential for dual drug-gene delivery.

Main Methods:

• Novel spray drying method for CUR-CD hollow spheres.
• Encapsulation of CUR-CD into chitosan nanoparticles (CUR-CD-CS).
• Characterization using TEM, SEM, DLS; in vitro release studies; MTT assay; cell cycle analysis; apoptosis tests; confocal imaging and FACS analysis for cellular uptake and gene delivery.

Main Results:

• CUR-CD-CS nanoparticles exhibited superior in vitro release and higher cytotoxicity in SCC25 cell lines.
• Nearly 100% apoptotic cell death was observed with CUR-CD-CS nanoparticles.
• Cyclodextrin enhanced CUR solubility and boosted cellular uptake, also improving Oligo DNA delivery.

Conclusions:

• Rationally designed biodegradable nanoparticles show potential for hydrophobic drug delivery.
• CUR-CD-CS nanoparticles offer a promising platform for anti-cancer therapy.
• The developed system has potential for dual drug and gene delivery applications.