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Chain Length-Regulated Poly(styrene-co-maleic acid)/Lipid Nanostructures for Curcumin Encapsulation
Kamonchanok Thananukul1, Chatmani Buachi1, Chadaporn Srimai1
1School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand.
ACS Omega
|July 28, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel polymer-lipid nanocarrier system for hydrophobic drugs, using poly(styrene-co-maleic acid) (PSMA) and lipids. Optimized PSMA chain length enables efficient, solvent-free drug encapsulation in aqueous media.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Delivering poorly water-soluble drugs often requires organic solvents or high-energy methods.
- Developing sustainable, aqueous-based nanocarrier systems is crucial for efficient hydrophobic drug delivery.
- Polymer-lipid hybrids offer potential for advanced drug encapsulation and controlled release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel poly(styrene-co-maleic acid) (PSMA)/lipid nanocarrier platform for hydrophobic drugs in aqueous media.
- To investigate the influence of PSMA molecular weight and lipid composition on nanoassembly formation, stability, and drug loading.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of curcumin-loaded nanocarriers for colorectal cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of low molecular weight poly(styrene-co-maleic acid) (PSMA) via CBr4-mediated radical polymerization.
- Formation of polymer-lipid nanoassemblies using PSMA and phosphatidylcholine lipids with varying phase-transition temperatures.
- Characterization of nanoassemblies (size, stability) and drug loading efficiency using curcumin as a model hydrophobic drug.
- In vitro cytotoxicity and anti-cancer activity assessment against colon epithelial and colorectal cancer cells.
Main Results:
- Low molecular weight PSMA (<5000 g/mol) combined with low transition-temperature lipids formed stable, small (10-13 nm) polymer-lipid nanoassemblies.
- Higher molecular weight PSMA increased curcumin encapsulation efficiency but resulted in larger, less uniform aggregates.
- Curcumin loading increased particle size (80-200 nm) and demonstrated selective growth inhibition of colorectal cancer cells with low cytotoxicity to normal cells.
Conclusions:
- PSMA molecular design is critical for tuning polymer-lipid nanoassembly characteristics, colloidal stability, and drug encapsulation efficiency.
- The developed PSMA/lipid nanocarrier platform offers a simple, aqueous approach for delivering hydrophobic drugs like curcumin.
- This platform shows promise for developing effective and safe nanomedicines for colorectal cancer treatment.
