Mussel-inspired protein-based nanoparticles for curcumin encapsulation and promoting antitumor efficiency

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Curcumin exhibits anti-cancer properties but suffers from poor solubility, stability, and bioavailability.
• Developing effective delivery systems is crucial for realizing curcumin's therapeutic potential in oncology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a novel curcumin-carrying nanoparticle (Cur-MPKE) using mussel-inspired functional protein (MPKE).
• To evaluate the physicochemical properties, stability, and anti-tumor efficacy of Cur-MPKE.
• To assess the in vivo performance and safety of Cur-MPKE for cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• MPKE, composed of a mussel module and zwitterionic peptide, was synthesized for nanoparticle self-assembly.
• Curcumin was encapsulated within MPKE to form Cur-MPKE nanoparticles via hydrogen and dynamic imide bonds.
• In vitro studies assessed solubility, stability, pH-triggered release, cellular uptake, and antioxidant/anti-tumor activity.
• In vivo studies in rats evaluated tumor inhibition and systemic toxicity.

Main Results:

• Cur-MPKE nanoparticles demonstrated enhanced solubility, stability in aqueous solutions, and excellent biocompatibility.
• Cur-MPKE exhibited pH-triggered curcumin release and increased uptake by tumor cells.
• In vitro antioxidant and anti-tumor effects of curcumin were significantly promoted by Cur-MPKE.
• In vivo administration of Cur-MPKE effectively inhibited tumor growth and proliferation in rats with no obvious systemic toxicity.

Conclusions:

• MPKE serves as an effective platform for creating stable, biocompatible curcumin nanoparticles.
• Cur-MPKE offers a promising strategy for improving curcumin's bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy in cancer treatment.
• This mussel-inspired approach provides a novel method for developing advanced drug delivery systems.