Curcumin-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles: A Promising Antimicrobial Strategy Against Enterococcus faecalis in Endodontic...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Microbiology
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Curcumin (CUR), a natural polyphenol, possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Improving curcumin's solubility and delivery is crucial for its therapeutic applications.
• Enterococcus faecalis is a significant pathogen in endodontic infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (CUR-SLNs) against Enterococcus faecalis.
• To assess the physicochemical properties, stability, and release profile of CUR-SLNs.
• To determine the cytocompatibility of CUR-SLNs with human gingival fibroblasts.

Main Methods:

• CUR-SLNs were prepared using cetyl palmitate and Tween 80 via hot ultrasonication.
• Physicochemical properties (size, surface potential, stability, release profile) were evaluated.
• Antimicrobial activity was tested against sessile and planktonic E. faecalis; cytotoxicity was assessed on human fibroblasts.

Main Results:

• CUR-SLNs exhibited a size of ~200 nm, a surface potential of -25 mV, and sustained CUR release over 100 hours.
• Nanoparticles demonstrated stability for at least two months at 4°C and 25°C.
• CUR-SLNs showed dose- and time-dependent antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis and good cytocompatibility with human fibroblasts.

Conclusions:

• CUR-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles exhibit significant antimicrobial efficacy against E. faecalis.
• The developed nanoparticles possess favorable physicochemical properties, stability, and cytocompatibility.
• CUR-SLNs show potential as an effective adjunctive therapy in endodontic treatments.