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Nanocurcumin-Loaded UCNPs for Cancer Theranostics: Physicochemical Properties, In Vitro Toxicity, and In Vivo Imaging
Anbharasi Lakshmanan1, Roman A Akasov2,3,4, Natalya V Sholina2,3
1Department of Nuclear Physics, Guindy Campus, University of Madras, Chennai 600025, Tamil Nadu, India.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 28, 2021
Summary
This study developed nanocurcumin-loaded upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) for cancer theranostics. The nanocomplexes showed moderate cytotoxicity and enabled in vivo bio-distribution imaging, highlighting their therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Curcumin, an anticancer herbal drug, has poor bioavailability.
- Nanoparticle formulations enhance drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy.
- Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) offer unique optical properties for bio-imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a theranostic system by coupling nanocurcumin with UCNPs.
- To enable visualization of nanocurcumin delivery in the near-infrared window.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential and bio-distribution of the nanocarrier system.
Main Methods:
- Nanocurcumin synthesized via solvent-antisolvent method.
- UCNPs (NaYF4:Yb,Er and NaYF4:Yb,Tm) synthesized by reverse microemulsion.
- UCNPs functionalized with Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and loaded with nanocurcumin.
- Characterization using XRD, FTIR, HRSEM, and spectroscopy.
- Cytotoxicity assays on glioblastoma cells and tumor spheroids.
- In vivo bio-distribution studies in a Lewis lung cancer model.
Main Results:
- UCNP-PLGA-nanocurcumin exhibited distinct emission spectra (520, 540, 660 nm for UCNP1; 480, 800 nm for UCNP2).
- Moderate cytotoxicity observed in glioblastoma cells (60-80% viability at 0.02-0.12 mg/mL).
- Tumor spheroid models confirmed therapeutic potential.
- In vivo studies showed adequate contrast for bio-distribution imaging, with primary accumulation in liver and lungs.
Conclusions:
- Nanocurcumin-loaded UCNPs demonstrate promise as a theranostic agent.
- The developed system enhances nanocurcumin delivery and allows for in vivo tracking.
- Further research is warranted for optimizing therapeutic applications.
