The Multifaceted Actions of PVP-Curcumin for Treating Infections

Curcumin is a natural compound that is considered safe and may have potential health benefits; however, its poor stability and water insolubility limit its therapeutic applications. Different strategies aim to increase its water solubility. Here, we tested the compound PVP-curcumin as a photosensitizer for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as well as its potential to act as an adjuvant in antibiotic drug therapy. Gram-negative E. coli K12 and Gram-positive S. capitis were subjected to aPDT using various PVP-curcumin concentrations (1-200 µg/mL) and 475 nm blue light (7.5-45 J/cm²). Additionally, results were compared to aPDT using 415 nm blue light. Gene expression of recA and umuC were analyzed via RT-qPCR to assess effects on the bacterial SOS response. Further, the potentiation of Ciprofloxacin by PVP-curcumin was investigated, as well as its potential to prevent the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Both bacterial strains were efficiently reduced when irradiated with 415 nm blue light (2.2 J/cm²) and 10 µg/mL curcumin. Using 475 nm blue light, bacterial reduction followed a biphasic effect with higher efficacy in S. capitis compared to E. coli K12. PVP-curcumin decreased recA expression but had limited effect regarding enhancing antibiotic treatment or impeding resistance development. PVP-curcumin demonstrated effectiveness as a photosensitizer against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria but did not modulate the bacterial SOS response.