Solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with curcumin: development and in vitro toxicity against CT26 cells

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Curcumin, a natural compound, has shown therapeutic potential but suffers from poor solubility and bioavailability.
• Developing effective delivery systems is crucial for enhancing curcumin's therapeutic efficacy.
• Murumuru butter offers a potential lipid matrix for nanoparticle formulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN-Cs) using murumuru butter.
• To evaluate the physicochemical properties and loading capacity of the developed SLN-Cs.
• To assess the in vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of SLN-Cs in colon cancer cells.

Main Methods:

• Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN-Cs) were fabricated using a phase-inversion temperature method.
• Curcumin loading capacity and stability of SLN-Cs were determined.
• In vitro interaction of SLN-Cs with murine colon adenocarcinoma (CT26) cells was analyzed using confocal and fluorescence microscopy.

Main Results:

• Stable SLN-Cs with a high curcumin-loading capacity were successfully produced.
• SLN-Cs demonstrated significantly higher toxicity towards CT26 cells compared to free curcumin.
• Fluorescence microscopy confirmed efficient cellular uptake of SLN-Cs by CT26 cells in vitro.

Conclusions:

• Murumuru butter-based solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN-Cs) are effective carriers for curcumin.
• SLN-Cs enhance curcumin's cytotoxicity and cellular uptake in colon cancer models.
• These findings suggest SLN-Cs are promising for curcumin delivery in aqueous media.