Chitosan-Based Systems for Curcumin Delivery: Evidence for Therapeutic Applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Curcumin, a polyphenol from Curcuma longa, possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.
• Clinical applications of curcumin are hindered by poor water solubility and low bioavailability.
• Chitosan-based delivery systems offer a strategy to improve curcumin's physicochemical properties and therapeutic efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize evidence on chitosan-based delivery systems for curcumin in disease management.
• To highlight the potential of these systems in enhancing therapeutic outcomes, particularly in cancer and wound healing.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across major scientific databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar).
• Inclusion of studies involving humans, animals, or cell cultures utilizing chitosan-curcumin formulations.
• Descriptive data synthesis and bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer.

Main Results:

• 387 studies met inclusion criteria from 5336 records, with cancer and wound healing as primary research areas.
• Chitosan nanoparticles significantly enhanced curcumin's bioavailability, cytotoxicity, and therapeutic effects in preclinical cancer models.
• Chitosan formulations (hydrogels, scaffolds, nanofibers, films) improved biocompatibility, antibacterial action, and regeneration for wound healing, including diabetic wounds and burns.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan-based delivery systems show substantial promise for improving curcumin's therapeutic potential in oncology.
• These natural polymer systems are effective in advancing wound healing applications, demonstrating enhanced regenerative and protective properties.
• Further research into chitosan-curcumin formulations could lead to improved clinical treatments for various diseases.