Curcuminoid-loaded poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles for cancer therapy

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Pharmacology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Curcuminoids (Curs) from Curcuma longa possess anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Clinical use of Curs is limited by toxicity, poor solubility, and degradation.
• Poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles (PMMA-NPs) offer biocompatibility and drug entrapment capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To solubilize Curs by incorporating them into PMMA-NPs.
• To compare the anticarcinogenic effects of Cur-loaded PMMA-NPs with free Curs.
• To evaluate the potential of PMMA-NPs for safe and effective chemotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Curcuminoids were extracted and post-loaded into PMMA-NPs via emulsion polymerization.
• Nanoparticle characterization included dynamic light scattering, SEM, TEM, and FTIR.
• In vitro drug release, cellular uptake, and anticancer activity (MTT assay) were assessed using A549 lung cancer cells.

Main Results:

• Spherical PMMA-NPs (192-199 nm) were successfully prepared with high drug loading (6%) and encapsulation efficiency (93%).
• Drug release studies showed approximately 55% release in buffer within 3 days, indicating enhanced bioavailability.
• In vitro studies demonstrated that Cur-loaded PMMA-NPs induced dose- and time-dependent cell death comparable to free Cur in A549 cells.

Conclusions:

• PMMA-NPs are suitable for solubilizing and delivering curcuminoids.
• Curcuminoid-loaded PMMA-NPs exhibit potent in vitro anticancer activity against lung cancer cells.
• This nanoparticle formulation presents a viable strategy for localized and safe chemotherapy.