Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026
10:15
Labeling and Imaging of Amyloid Plaques in Brain Tissue Using the Natural Polyphenol Curcumin
Published on: November 1, 2019
13.3K
Self-Assembling Topical Nanomicellar Formulation to Improve Curcumin Absorption Across Ocular Tissues.
Meshal Alshamrani1, Sadia Sikder1, Fohona Coulibaly1
1Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2464 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 64108, USA.
AAPS Pharmscitech
|July 19, 2019
Summary
A novel curcumin nanomicellar formulation (CUR-NMF) effectively protects retinal cells from oxidative stress and reduces vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release, offering a promising treatment for both dry and wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) pathogenesis involves oxidative stress and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) overexpression.
- Curcumin, a natural compound, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-VEGF properties but suffers from poor bioavailability.
- Developing effective delivery systems for curcumin is crucial for treating AMD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an aqueous nanomicellar formulation of curcumin (CUR-NMF) for ocular delivery.
- To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and drug release profile of CUR-NMF for potential AMD treatment.
Main Methods:
- A full factorial design was employed to optimize CUR-NMF formulation using hydrogenated castor oil (HCO-40) and octoxynol-40 (OC-40).
- In vitro studies included MTT and LDH assays on retinal cells (D407) to assess safety and protection against oxidative stress (H2O2).
- Drug release kinetics and ELISA were used to evaluate sustained release and VEGF inhibition, respectively.
Main Results:
- CUR-NMF formulation was optimized for size, PDI, entrapment, and loading.
- CUR-NMF (5-10 μM) demonstrated safety for ophthalmic use and significant protection against oxidative stress in retinal cells.
- The formulation exhibited sustained drug release and significantly reduced VEGF release, mitigating angiogenesis risk.
Conclusions:
- The developed CUR-NMF formulation enhances curcumin's bioavailability for ocular delivery.
- CUR-NMF shows significant potential as a therapeutic agent for both dry and wet age-related macular degeneration by combating oxidative stress and inhibiting angiogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Drug Absorption: Factors Affecting GI Absorption
6.1K
The process of oral drug absorption can be influenced by several factors. Weakly acidic drugs tend to be absorbed more readily from the stomach due to their nonionized state. However, absorption may be less efficient in the upper intestine, where drugs are often ionized. Interestingly, despite the stomach's apparent advantage for drug absorption, its mucous layer can hinder diffusion. Its surface area is also smaller than the intestine's, which can further slow down the absorption rate.
6.1K
01:25Carbohydrate Absorption
3.0K
Carbohydrates are essential macronutrients that serve as the body's primary energy source. Their digestion begins in the mouth, where salivary amylase partially breaks down complex carbohydrates such as starch into smaller oligosaccharides. This mechanical and enzymatic activity prepares carbohydrates for further processing in the gastrointestinal tract.
After being swallowed, the partially digested carbohydrates mix with gastric secretions in the stomach. However, the acidic environment...
After being swallowed, the partially digested carbohydrates mix with gastric secretions in the stomach. However, the acidic environment...
3.0K
01:19Absorption of Nutrients
2.9K
Absorption refers to taking dietary nutrients from the intestinal lumen for transportation throughout the body. After digestion in the small intestine, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are broken down into simpler forms. These essential macronutrients and other vital substances, such as vitamins, minerals, and water, are then prepared for absorption into the bloodstream.
Enterocytes, which are specialized polar epithelial cells, line the mucosa of the small intestinal walls. These cells...
Enterocytes, which are specialized polar epithelial cells, line the mucosa of the small intestinal walls. These cells...
2.9K
01:12Protein Absorption
943
Proteins in the gastrointestinal tract typically come from food, but they can also originate from disintegrated cells or secreted enzymes. In the stomach, the enzyme pepsin breaks down these proteins into polypeptides. The fragments then move into the duodenum as a semi-fluid mass called chyme. Pancreatic proteases, such as trypsin and chymotrypsin, and intestinal brush border enzymes like carboxypeptidases further dismantle the polypeptides into tripeptides, dipeptides, and free amino acids.
943
01:24Lipid Absorption
2.5K
Dietary triglycerides from chyme in the duodenum are mixed with bile salts produced by the liver to emulsify fats. As a result, large droplets are broken down into smaller ones, increasing the surface area for enzymatic action. Once emulsified, pancreatic lipases hydrolyze the triglycerides into free fatty acids and monoglycerides.
These breakdown products bind with bile salts and lecithin to form micelles, which quickly pass between microvilli to come in close contact with the apical...
These breakdown products bind with bile salts and lecithin to form micelles, which quickly pass between microvilli to come in close contact with the apical...
2.5K
01:05Absorption of Radiation
1.2K
The rate of heat transfer by emitted radiation is described by the Stefan-Boltzmann law of radiation:
1.2K