Low level LED photodynamic therapy using curcumin loaded tetraether liposomes

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an evolving cancer treatment.
• Photosensitizers can accumulate in healthy tissues, causing side effects.
• Curcumin, a natural anti-cancer compound, is safe for healthy cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop tetraether lipid liposomal formulations of curcumin for enhanced cancer therapy.
• To improve curcumin bioavailability and target specificity.
• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of curcumin-loaded liposomes in PDT.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of curcumin-loaded liposomes.
• Characterization of liposomes (size, charge, stability, morphology, haemocompatibility).
• Assessment of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, in vitro and in vivo phototoxicity, and cellular effects using fluorescence spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, and chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model.

Main Results:

• Stable, nanometre-sized curcumin liposomes (200-220 nm) were successfully formulated.
• Liposomes demonstrated excellent haemocompatibility (coagulation time < 50 s, haemolysis < 40%).
• Irradiation significantly increased ROS generation (>50%) and induced selective phototoxicity in cancer cells and CAM models, including nuclear perforation and microvasculature damage.

Conclusions:

• Curcumin liposomes offer a stable and haemocompatible platform for targeted PDT.
• The developed liposomes exhibit enhanced ROS production and selective phototoxicity, crucial for effective cancer treatment.
• Formulation-dependent selective photodynamic effects were observed, paving the way for advanced, controlled cancer therapies.