Magnetic-Silk Core-Shell Nanoparticles as Potential Carriers for Targeted Delivery of Curcumin into Human Breast...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Therapy

Background:

• Curcumin exhibits anticancer properties but faces limitations in clinical use due to poor solubility, short half-life, and low bioavailability.
• Developing effective drug delivery systems is crucial to overcome these limitations and enhance curcumin's therapeutic efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize curcumin-loaded magnetic silk fibroin core-shell nanoparticles for sustained release and targeted delivery to breast cancer cells.
• To evaluate the enhanced cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of these nanoparticles in breast cancer models.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of core-shell nanoparticles using a salting-out method with magnetic nanoparticles and silk fibroin.
• Optimization of particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and release rate by adjusting silk fibroin concentration, pH, and curcumin loading.
• Assessment of cytotoxicity and cellular uptake using MTT and cellular uptake assays on MDA-MB-231 cells.

Main Results:

• Curcumin-loaded magnetic silk fibroin nanoparticles were successfully synthesized with controlled size (90-350 nm) using sodium phosphate.
• These nanoparticles demonstrated significantly enhanced cytotoxicity and cellular uptake in breast cancer cells compared to controls.
• The magnetic core allows for potential external magnet-guided targeting, improving localized drug delivery.

Conclusions:

• The developed curcumin-loaded magnetic silk fibroin nanoparticles represent a promising system for overcoming curcumin's limitations in cancer therapy.
• The optimized nanoparticle formulation enhances drug delivery, cellular uptake, and anticancer efficacy, suggesting potential for improved breast cancer treatment.
• The magnetic properties offer a pathway for targeted cancer therapy, warranting further investigation and development.