Anti-microbial activity of curcumin nanoformulations: New trends and future perspectives

Biomimetic platelet-like nanoparticles enhance targeted hepatocellular carcinoma therapy

Curcumin (CUR) is a promising natural product for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy. However, its clinical application has been limited by some issues such as rapid clearance and inadequate tumor accumulation. To address these drawbacks, we developed platelet membrane-coated CUR-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (PCPNPs). In this work, due to the bioinspired strategy, the PCPNPs exhibited immune evasion, prolonged circulation, and improved accumulation at tumor sites compared to the traditional CUR formulation. The superior tumor targeting of PCPNPs was likely due to the interactions between platelet P-selectin and tumoral CD44. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo assays revealed that the PCPNPs showed outstanding anticancer efficacy without obvious toxicity. Therefore, PCPNPs represent a biosafe and promising anti-tumor strategy, overcoming the limitations associated with CUR. These findings not only contribute to the advancement of natural compound nano-formulation but also open new avenues for targeted cancer treatment.

Combination Therapy for Sustainable Fish Oil Products: Improving Cognitive Function with n-3 PUFA and Natural Ingredients

Long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are recommended as beneficial dietary supplements for enhancing cognitive function. Although fish oil (FO) is renowned for its abundant n-3 PUFA content, combining FO with other natural products is considered as a viable option to support the sustainable development of FO products. This review aims to provide comprehensive insights into the advanced effects of combining FO or its components of DHA and EPA with natural products on protecting cognitive function. In two double-blind random control trials, no advanced effects were observed for adding curcumin to FO on cerebral function protection. However, 16 week's treatment of FO combined with vitamin E did not yield any advanced effects in cognitive factor scores. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated that combinations of FO with natural products can exhibit advanced effects in addressing pathological components in cognitive impairment, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal survival. In conclusion, evidence from clinical trials for beneficial use of FO and natural ingredients combination is lacking. Greater cohesion is needed between preclinical and clinical data to substantiate the efficacy of FO and natural product combinations in preventing or slowing the progression of cognitive decline.

Preparation, characterization, and ex-vivo evaluation of curcumin-loaded niosomal nanoparticles on the equine sperm quality during cooled storage

Oxidative damage to sperm during cooled storage is a significant issue, and curcumin, with its antioxidant properties, could be a solution. However, its low bioavailability presents a challenge that this study aims to address. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the potential of curcumin-loaded niosomal nanoparticles (Cur-LNN) to enhance the antioxidant properties of curcumin and its effect on sperm quality during 72 h cooled storage. The thin-film hydration procedure was applied to prepare Cur-LNN. The fabricated noisomal nanocarriers were characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Moreover, the encapsulation and loading efficiency, in vitro release study, and ex-vivo antioxidant functionality of Cur-LNN on the stallion sperm preserved under cooled storage conditions were assessed. The fabricated Cur-LNN was spherical in shape and had an average particle size of 163.1 ± 1.8 nm, a zeta potential of -34.1 ± 1.9 mV, a poly-dispersity index of 0.339 ± 0.045, an encapsulation efficiency of 92.34 ± 0.18 %, and a loading efficiency of 35.57 ± 1.36 %. Ex-vivo evaluation revealed that supplementation of the semen extender with Cur-LNN has the potential to enhance sperm quality by improving total and progressive motility, plasma membrane functionality, and lipid peroxidation. These results demonstrate that Cur-LNN exhibited stronger antioxidant and protective effects than curcumin. Although further in vivo investigations are warranted, our ex-vivo results suggest that Cur-LNN has the potential to attenuate oxidative damage and can be used to fortify the antioxidant capacity of equine semen under cooled storage conditions.

Advancements in Regenerative Hydrogels in Skin Wound Treatment: A Comprehensive Review

This state-of-the-art review explores the emerging field of regenerative hydrogels and their profound impact on the treatment of skin wounds. Regenerative hydrogels, composed mainly of water-absorbing polymers, have garnered attention in wound healing, particularly for skin wounds. Their unique properties make them well suited for tissue regeneration. Notable benefits include excellent water retention, creating a crucially moist wound environment for optimal healing, and facilitating cell migration, and proliferation. Biocompatibility is a key feature, minimizing adverse reactions and promoting the natural healing process. Acting as a supportive scaffold for cell growth, hydrogels mimic the extracellular matrix, aiding the attachment and proliferation of cells like fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Engineered for controlled drug release, hydrogels enhance wound healing by promoting angiogenesis, reducing inflammation, and preventing infection. The demonstrated acceleration of the wound healing process, particularly beneficial for chronic or impaired healing wounds, adds to their appeal. Easy application and conformity to various wound shapes make hydrogels practical, including in irregular or challenging areas. Scar minimization through tissue regeneration is crucial, especially in cosmetic and functional regions. Hydrogels contribute to pain management by creating a protective barrier, reducing friction, and fostering a soothing environment. Some hydrogels, with inherent antimicrobial properties, aid in infection prevention, which is a crucial aspect of successful wound healing. Their flexibility and ability to conform to wound contours ensure optimal tissue contact, enhancing overall treatment effectiveness. In summary, regenerative hydrogels present a promising approach for improving skin wound healing outcomes across diverse clinical scenarios. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the benefits, mechanisms, and challenges associated with the use of regenerative hydrogels in the treatment of skin wounds. In this review, the authors likely delve into the application of rational design principles to enhance the efficacy and performance of hydrogels in promoting wound healing. Through an exploration of various methodologies and approaches, this paper is poised to highlight how these principles have been instrumental in refining the design of hydrogels, potentially revolutionizing their therapeutic potential in addressing skin wounds. By synthesizing current knowledge and highlighting potential avenues for future research, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of regenerative medicine and ultimately improve clinical outcomes for patients with skin wounds.

Curcumin-mediated photodynamic therapy for mild to moderate Acne: A self-controlled split-face randomized study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Curcumin-mediated Photodynamic Therapy (Curcumin-PDT) in the treatment of mild to moderate acne.

METHODS

In this randomized split-face controlled study, 11 patients with mild to moderate acne were randomly divided into two groups. One side received a single 445 nm LED light exposure of 36 J/cm2, while the other side received Curcumin-PDT. The process of Curcumin-PDT involves the application of a mask containing 1 % curcumin for 20 min, followed by exposure to 445 nm LED light at 36 J/cm². The treatment consists of sessions spaced every 3 days, with a total of 2 treatments per week, administered continuously for 2 weeks. Efficacy assessment and comparison were conducted on both groups of patients before treatment and 2 weeks after the last treatment, and adverse reactions were observed and recorded.

RESULTS

At the 2-week follow-up after the last treatment, the total lesion clearance rates for Curcumin-PDT and monotherapy light were 54.7 ± 21.5 % and 28.1 ± 19.9 %, respectively (P = 0.001). The clearance rates for non-inflammatory lesions were 32.3 ± 25.7 % and 21.9 ± 14.0 % for Curcumin-PDT and monotherapy light sides (P = 0.252), while for inflammatory lesions, the clearance rates were 59.3 ± 28.2 % and 36.5 ± 21.6 % (P = 0.013). Both groups experienced mild erythema after treatment, which subsided within 1-2 h. Two patients developed mild localized pigmentation, which self-resolved after 1 month of follow-up. Both groups did not exhibit edema, crust formation, scaling, pigment reduction, or scarring.

CONCLUSION

Curcumin-PDT can be considered a safe and effective method for the treatment of mild to moderate acne.

Emerging strategies for combating Fusobacterium nucleatum in colorectal cancer treatment: Systematic review, improvements and future challenges

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is generally characterized by a high prevalence of Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), a spindle-shaped, Gram-negative anaerobe pathogen derived from the oral cavity. This tumor-resident microorganism has been closely correlated with the occurrence, progression, chemoresistance and immunosuppressive microenvironment of CRC. Furthermore, F. nucleatum can specifically colonize CRC tissues through adhesion on its surface, forming biofilms that are highly resistant to commonly used antibiotics. Accordingly, it is crucial to develop efficacious non-antibiotic approaches to eradicate F. nucleatum and its biofilms for CRC treatment. In recent years, various antimicrobial strategies, such as natural extracts, inorganic chemicals, organic chemicals, polymers, inorganic-organic hybrid materials, bacteriophages, probiotics, and vaccines, have been proposed to combat F. nucleatum and F. nucleatum biofilms. This review summarizes the latest advancements in anti-F. nucleatum research, elucidates the antimicrobial mechanisms employed by these systems, and discusses the benefits and drawbacks of each antimicrobial technology. Additionally, this review also provides an outlook on the antimicrobial specificity, potential clinical implications, challenges, and future improvements of these antimicrobial strategies in the treatment of CRC.

Utilizing the photodynamic properties of curcumin to disrupt biofilms in Cutibacterium acnes: A promising approach for treating acne

BACKGROUND

The treatment of acne vulgaris is often challenging due to the antibiotic resistance frequently observed in Cutibacterium acnes (C.acnes), a prevalent bacterium linked to this condition.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this research was to examine the impact of curcumin photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the survival of C.acnes and activity of biofilms produced by this microorganism.

METHODS

Following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines, we assessed the drug sensitivity of 25 clinical C.acnes strains to five antibiotics (erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline) and curcumin by implementing the broth microdilution technique. In addition, we established C.acnes biofilms in a laboratory setting and subjected them to curcumin-PDT(curcumin combined with blue light of 180 J/cm2). Afterwards, we evaluated their viability using the XTT assay and observed them using confocal laser scanning microscopy.

RESULTS

The result revealed varying resistance rates among the tested antibiotics and curcumin, with erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, and curcumin exhibiting resistance rates of 72 %, 44 %, 36 %, 28 %, 0 %, and 100 %, respectively. In the curcumin-PDT inhibition tests against four representative antibiotic-resistant strains, it was found that the survival rate of all strains of planktonic C. acnes was reduced, and the higher the concentration of curcumin, the lower the survival rate. Furthermore, in the biofilm inhibition tests, the vitality and three-dimensional structure of the biofilms were disrupted, and the inhibitory effect became more significant with higher concentrations of curcumin.

CONCLUSION

The results emphasize the possibility of using curcumin PDT as an alternative approach for the treatment of C.acnes, especially in instances of antibiotic-resistant variations and infections related to biofilms.

Recent advances of hydrogels as smart dressings for diabetic wounds

Chronic diabetic wounds have been an urgent clinical problem, and wound dressings play an important role in their management. Due to the design of traditional dressings, it is difficult to achieve adaptive adhesion and on-demand removal of complex diabetic wounds, real-time monitoring of wound status, and dynamic adjustment of drug release behavior according to the wound microenvironment. Smart hydrogels, as smart dressings, can respond to environmental stimuli and achieve more precise local treatment. Here, we review the latest progress of smart hydrogels in wound bandaging, dynamic monitoring, and drug delivery for treatment of diabetic wounds. It is worth noting that we have summarized the most important properties of smart hydrogels for diabetic wound healing. In addition, we discuss the unresolved challenges and future prospects in this field. We hope that this review will contribute to furthering progress on smart hydrogels as improved dressing for diabetic wound healing and practical clinical application.

A Review of the Occurrence of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Potential Treatments through Medicinal Plants from an Indian Perspective

Arthritis is a medical condition that affects the joints and causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness. There are different types of arthritis, and it can affect people of all ages, even infants and the elderly. Recent studies have found that individuals with diabetes, heart disease, and obesity are more likely to experience arthritis symptoms. According to the World Health Organization, over 21% of people worldwide suffer from musculoskeletal problems. Roughly 42.19 million individuals in India, constituting around 0.31% of the populace, have been documented as having Rheumatic Arthritis (RA). Compared to other common diseases like diabetes, cancer, and AIDS, arthritis is more prevalent in the general population. Unfortunately, there is no specific cure for arthritis, and treatment plans usually involve non-pharmacological methods, surgeries, and medications that target specific symptoms. Plant-based remedies have also been shown to be effective in managing inflammation and related complications. In addition to therapies, maintaining a healthy diet, exercise, and weight management are essential for managing arthritis. This review discusses the causes, prevalence, diagnostic methods, current and prospective future treatments, and potential medicinal plants that may act as anti-inflammatory or anti-rheumatic agents. However, more research is necessary to identify the underlying mechanisms and active molecules that could improve arthritis treatment.

Organic and Biogenic Nanocarriers as Bio-Friendly Systems for Bioactive Compounds' Delivery: State-of-the Art and Challenges

"Green" strategies to build up novel organic nanocarriers with bioperformance are modern trends in nanotechnology. In this way, the valorization of bio-wastes and the use of living systems to develop multifunctional organic and biogenic nanocarriers (OBNs) have revolutionized the nanotechnological and biomedical fields. This paper is a comprehensive review related to OBNs for bioactives' delivery, providing an overview of the reports on the past two decades. In the first part, several classes of bioactive compounds and their therapeutic role are briefly presented. A broad section is dedicated to the main categories of organic and biogenic nanocarriers. The major challenges regarding the eco-design and the fate of OBNs are suggested to overcome some toxicity-related drawbacks. Future directions and opportunities, and finding "green" solutions for solving the problems related to nanocarriers, are outlined in the final of this paper. We believe that through this review, we will capture the attention of the readers and will open new perspectives for new solutions/ideas for the discovery of more efficient and "green" ways in developing novel bioperformant nanocarriers for transporting bioactive agents.

Recent advances in delivering free or nanoencapsulated Curcuma by-products as antimicrobial food additives

Food commodities are often contaminated by microbial pathogens in transit or during storage. Hence, mitigation of these pathogens is necessary to ensure the safety of food commodities. Globally, researchers used botanicals as natural additives to preserve food commodities from bio-deterioration, and advances were made to meet users' acceptance in this domain, as synthetic preservatives are associated with harmful effects to both consumers and environments. Over the last century, the genus Curcuma has been used in traditional medicine, and its crude and nanoencapsulated essential oils (EOs) and curcuminoids were used to combat harmful pathogens that deteriorate stored foods. Today, more research is needed for solving the problem of pathogen resistance in food commodities and to meet consumer demands. Therefore, Curcuma-based botanicals may provide a source of natural preservatives for food commodities that satisfy the needs both of the food industry and the consumers. Hence, this article discusses the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of EOs and curcuminoids derived from the genus Curcuma. Further, the action modes of Curcuma-based botanicals are explained, and the latest advances in nanoencapsulation of these compounds in food systems are discussed alongside knowledge gaps and safety assessment where the focus of future research should be placed.

Current appraises of therapeutic applications of nanocurcumin: A novel drug delivery approach for biomaterials in dentistry

Curcumin is a natural herb and polyphenol that is obtained from the medicinal plant Curcuma longa. It's anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-mutagenic, antioxidant and antifungal properties can be leveraged to treat a myriad of oral and systemic diseases. However, natural curcumin has weak solubility, limited bioavailability and undergoes rapid degradation, which severely limits its therapeutic potential. To overcome these drawbacks, nanocurcumin (nCur) formulations have been developed for improved biomaterial delivery and enhanced treatment outcomes. This novel biomaterial holds tremendous promise for the treatment of various oral diseases, the majority of which are caused by dental biofilm. These include dental caries, periodontal disease, root canal infection and peri-implant diseases, as well as other non-biofilm mediated oral diseases such as oral cancer and oral lichen planus. A number of in-vitro studies have demonstrated the antibacterial efficacy of nCur in various formulations against common oral pathogens such as S. mutans, P. gingivalis and E. faecalis, which are strongly associated with dental caries, periodontitis and root canal infection, respectively. In addition, some clinical studies were suggestive of the notion that nCur can indeed enhance the clinical outcomes of oral diseases such as periodontitis and oral lichen planus, but the level of evidence was very low due to the small number of studies and the methodological limitations of the available studies. The versatility of nCur to treat a diverse range of oral diseases augurs well for its future in dentistry, as reflected by rapid pace in which studies pertaining to this topic are published in the scientific literature. In order to keep abreast of the latest development of nCur in dentistry, this narrative review was undertaken. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a contemporaneous update of the chemistry, properties, mechanism of action, and scientific evidence behind the usage of nCur in dentistry.

Utilization of experimental design in the formulation and optimization of hyaluronic acid-based nanoemulgel loaded with a turmeric-curry leaf oil nanoemulsion for gingivitis

Numerous problems affect oral health, and intensive research is focused on essential oil-based nanoemulsions that might treat prevent or these problems. Nanoemulsions are delivery systems that enhance the distribution and solubility of lipid medications to targeted locations. Turmeric (Tur)- and curry leaf oil (CrO)-based nanoemulsions (CrO-Tur-self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems [SNEDDS]) were developed with the goal of improving oral health and preventing or treating gingivitis. They could be valuable because of their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory capabilities. CrO-Tur-SNEDDS formulations were produced using the response surface Box-Behnken design with different concentrations of CrO (120, 180, and 250 mg), Tur (20, 35, and 50 mg), and Smix 2:1 (400, 500, and 600 mg). The optimized formulation had a bacterial growth inhibition zone of up to 20 mm, droplet size of less than 140 nm, drug-loading efficiency of 93%, and IL-6 serum levels of between 950 ± 10 and 3000 ± 25 U/ml. The optimal formulation, which contained 240 mg of CrO, 42.5 mg of Tur, and 600 mg of Smix 2:1, was created using the acceptable design. Additionally, the best CrO-Tur-SNEDDS formulation was incorporated into a hyaluronic acid gel, and thereafter it had improved ex-vivo transbuccal permeability, sustained in-vitro release of Tur, and large bacterial growth suppression zones. The optimal formulation loaded into an emulgel had lower levels of IL-6 in the serum than the other formulations evaluated in rats. Therefore, this investigation showed that a CrO-Tur-SNEDDS could provide strong protection against gingivitis caused by microbial infections.

In silico design and mechanistic study of niosome-encapsulated curcumin against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms

Curcumin, an important natural component of turmeric, has been known for a long time for its antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to investigate the anti-biofilm action of the niosome-encapsulated curcumin and explore the involved anti-biofilm mechanism. In silico investigations of ADME-Tox (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) were first performed to predict the suitability of curcumin for pharmaceutical application. Curcumin showed low toxicity but at the same time, low solubility and low stability, which, in turn, might reduce its antimicrobial activity. To overcome these intrinsic limitations, curcumin was encapsulated using a biocompatible niosome system, and an encapsulation efficiency of 97% was achieved. The synthesized curcumin-containing niosomes had a spherical morphology with an average diameter of 178 nm. The niosomal curcumin was capable of reducing multi-drug resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus biofilm 2-4-fold compared with the free curcumin. The encapsulated curcumin also demonstrated no significant cytotoxicity on the human foreskin fibroblasts. To understand the interaction between curcumin and S. aureus biofilm, several biofilm-related genes were analyzed for their expression. N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase (IcaD), a protein involved in the production of polysaccharide intercellular adhesion and known to play a function in biofilm development, was found to be downregulated by niosomal curcumin and showed high binding affinity (-8.3 kcal/mol) with curcumin based on molecular docking analysis. Our study suggests that the niosome-encapsulated curcumin is a promising approach for the treatment of MDR S. aureus biofilm and can be extended to biofilms caused by other pathogens.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Jacobaea maritima and the Evaluation of Their Antibacterial and Anticancer Activities

Much attention has been gained on green silver nanoparticles (green-AgNPs) in the medical field due to their remarkable effects against multi-drug resistant (MDR) microorganisms and targeted cancer treatment. In the current study, we demonstrated a simple and environment-friendly (i.e., green) AgNP synthesis utilizing Jacobaea maritima aqueous leaf extract. This leaf is well-known for its medicinal properties and acts as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Nanoparticle preparation with the desired size and shape was controlled by distinct parameters; for instance, temperature, extract concentration of salt, and pH. The characterization of biosynthesized AgNPs was performed by the UV-spectroscopy technique, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared. The successful formation of AgNPs was confirmed by a surface plasmon resonance at 422 nm using UV-visible spectroscopy and color change observation with a particle size of 37± 10 nm and a zeta potential of -10.9 ± 2.3 mV. SEM further confirmed the spherical size and shape of AgNPs with a size varying from 28 to 52 nm. Antibacterial activity of the AgNPs was confirmed against all Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial reference and MDR strains that were used in different inhibitory rates, and the highest effect was on the E-coli reference strain (MIC = 25 μg/mL). The anticancer study of AgNPs exhibited an IC50 of 1.37 μg/mL and 1.98 μg/mL against MCF-7 (breast cancer cells) and A549 (lung cancer cells), respectively. Therefore, this green synthesis of AgNPs could have a potential clinical application, and further in vivo study is required to assess their safety and efficacy.

Nanohybrid Based on (Mn, Zn) Ferrite Nanoparticles Functionalized With Chitosan and Sodium Alginate for Loading of Curcumin Against Human Breast Cancer Cells

This study reports on the synthesis of Mn1 - xZnxFe2O4 (Mn, Zn ferrite) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as drug delivery carriers for effective therapeutic outcomes. The MNPs were prepared using the coprecipitation method, and their magnetic properties were investigated based on their composition. Among the compositions tested, Mn0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 MNPs exhibited superparamagnetic properties with a saturation magnetization moment of 34.6 emu/g at room temperature (25°C). To enhance the water solubility of curcumin (Cur), known for its hydrophobic nature, it was successfully loaded onto alginate (Alg)/chitosan (Chit)@Mn0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs). The nanocomposite was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) which revealed a particle size of approximately 20 nm. The crystalline structure of the NPs was analyzed using X-ray diffraction, while Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray, and map analysis techniques were employed for further characterization. In terms of drug release, there was an initial burst release of Cur (around 18%) within the first hour, followed by a slower release (approximately 61%) over the next 36 h. The anti-tumor properties of the Cur-loaded NPs were evaluated using the Methyl Thiazol Tetrazolium (MTT) assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The MTT assay confirmed a higher cytotoxic effect of Cur-loaded Alg/Chit@Mn0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 NPs on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line compared to free Cur, highlighting the significance of incorporating Cur into nano-sized carrier systems.

Development of dual-functional core-shell electrospun mats with controlled release of anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agents for the treatment of corneal alkali burn injuries

In this study, a novel dual-drug carrier for the co-administration of an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic agent consisting of core-shell nanofibers for the treatment of cornea alkali burns was designed. The core-shell nanofibers were prepared via coaxial electrospinning of curcumin-loaded silk fibroin as the core and vancomycin-loaded chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the shell. Electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) images confirmed the preparation of smooth, bead-free, and continuous fibers that formed clear core-shell structures. For further studies, nanofiber mats were cross-linked by heat treatment to avoid rapid disintegration in water and improve both mechanical properties and drug release. The release profile of curcumin and vancomycin indicated an initial burst release, continued by the extended release of both drugs within 72 hours. Rabbit corneal cells demonstrated high rates of proliferation when evaluated using a cell metabolism assay. Finally, the therapeutic efficiency of core/shell nanofibers in healing cornea alkali burn was studied by microscopic and macroscopic observation, fluorescence staining, and hematoxylin-eosin assay on rabbit eyes. The anti-inflammatory activity of fabricated fibers was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Immunofluorescence analysis. In conclusion, using a robust array of in vitro and in vivo experiments this study demonstrated the ability of the dual-drug carriers to promote corneal re-epithelialization, minimize inflammation, and inhibit corneal neovascularization. Since these parameters are critical to the healing of corneal wounds from alkali burns, we suggest that this discovery represents a promising future therapeutic agent that warrants further study in humans.

Exploring Medicinal Herbs' Therapeutic Potential and Molecular Docking Analysis for Compounds as Potential Inhibitors of Human Acetylcholinesterase in Alzheimer's Disease Treatment

Background and Objectives: Alzheimer's disease (AD) stands as a pervasive neurodegenerative ailment of global concern, necessitating a relentless pursuit of remedies. This study aims to furnish a comprehensive exposition, delving into the intricate mechanistic actions of medicinal herbs and phytochemicals. Furthermore, we assess the potential of these compounds in inhibiting human acetylcholinesterase through molecular docking, presenting encouraging avenues for AD therapeutics. Materials and Methods: Our approach entailed a systematic exploration of phytochemicals like curcumin, gedunin, quercetin, resveratrol, nobiletin, fisetin, and berberine, targeting their capability as human acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, leveraging the PubChem database. Diverse bioinformatics techniques were harnessed to scrutinize molecular docking, ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity), and adherence to Lipinski's rule of five. Results: Results notably underscored the substantial binding affinities of all ligands with specific amino acid residues within AChE. Remarkably, gedunin exhibited a superior binding affinity (-8.7 kcal/mol) compared to the reference standard. Conclusions: These outcomes accentuate the potential of these seven compounds as viable candidates for oral medication in AD treatment. Notably, both resveratrol and berberine demonstrated the capacity to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB), signaling their aptitude for central nervous system targeting. Consequently, these seven molecules are considered orally druggable, potentially surpassing the efficacy of the conventional drug, donepezil, in managing neurodegenerative disorders.

Sustainable, economical and rapid treatment of multiple lung diseases using therapeutic potential of curcumin nanoparticles

The study was designed to prepare pure curcumin nanoparticles in rapid and simple way for target specific drug delivery to kill bacteria lying deep down within the alveoli of lungs via inhaler. Three different methods including evaporation precipitation of nanosuspension (ENP), solid dispersion (SD) and anti-solvent precipitation (ASP) were selected to prepare nanocurcumin in pure form in very simple way. This was done to compare their efficiency in terms of particle size obtained and water solubility and bacterial toxicity of as prepared curcumin nanoparticles. In this comparative study, curcumin NPs obtained from three different methods having particles size 65.3 nm, 98.7 nm and 47.4 nm respectively. The NPs were characterized using various techniques like SEM, XRD, UV-Visible and FTIR for their particle size determination and solubility evaluation. These particles were screened off against five bacterial strains causing lung diseases. AB3 prepared by ASP method, being smallest sized nanostructures, showed maximum solubility in water. These nanoparticles can be used as drug directly via inhaler to the target area without using any support or nano-carrier. In this way minimum dose formulation is required to target bacteria.

Development and Characterization of a Hydrogel Containing Curcumin-Loaded Nanoemulsion for Enhanced In Vitro Antibacteria and In Vivo Wound Healing

Curcumin (CUR) is a natural compound extracted from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) used to cure acne, wound healing, etc. Its disadvantages, such as poor solubility and permeability, limit its efficacy. Nanoemulsion (NE)-based drug delivery systems have gained popularity due to their advantages. This study aimed to optimize a CUR-NE-based gel and evaluate its physicochemical and biological properties. A NE was prepared using the catastrophic phase inversion method and optimized using the Design Expert 12.0 software. The CUR-NE gel was characterized in terms of visual appearance, pH, drug release, antibacterial and wound healing effects. The optimal formulation contained CUR, Capryol 90 (oil), Labrasol:Cremophor RH40 (1:1) (surfactants), propylene glycol (co-surfactant), and water. The NE had a droplet size of 22.87 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.348. The obtained CUR-NE gel had a soft, smooth texture and a pH of 5.34 ± 0.05. The in vitro release of CUR from the NE-based gel was higher than that from a commercial gel with nanosized CUR (21.68 ± 1.25 µg/cm2, 13.62 ± 1.63 µg/cm2 after 10 h, respectively). The CUR-NE gel accelerated in vitro antibacterial and in vivo wound healing activities as compared to other CUR-loaded gels. The CUR-NE gel has potential for transdermal applications.

Combining nano-curcumin with catechin improves COVID-19-infected patient's inflammatory conditions

AIMS

A hyperinflammatory condition is brought on by the development of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is characterized by an elevation of T helper (Th) 17 cells, high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and a depletion of regulatory T (Treg) cells.

METHODS

In this research, we examined the effect of nano-curcumin and catechin on the TCD4+, TCD8+, Th17, and Treg cells and their associated factors in COVID-19 patients. For this purpose, 160 (50 patients excluded during the study) COVID-19 patients were divided into four groups: placebo, nano-curcumin, catechin, and nano-curcumin + catechin. The frequency of TCD4+, TCD8+, Th17, and Treg cells, the gene expression of transcription factors (STAT3, RORt, and FoxP3) relevant to Th17 and Treg, as well as the serum levels of cytokines (IL-6, IL17, IL1-b, IL-10, and TGF-), were all evaluated intra- and inter-group, before and after treatment, in all groups.

RESULTS

Our study showed that TCD4 + and TCD8 + cells were significantly higher in the nano-curcumin + catechin group compared to the control group, whereas Th17 was lower than the initial value. Furthermore, compared to the placebo-received group, cytokines and transcription factors associated with Th17 were significantly lower in the nano-curcumin + catechin group. Additionally, combined therapy increased Treg cells and transcription factors compared to the placebo group.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our results show that combining nano-curcumin with catechin has a more notable impact on the enhancement of TCD4+, TCD8+, and Treg cells, as well as a decrease in Th17 cells and their mediators, suggesting a promising combination therapy in reducing the inflammatory conditions of COVID-19 infected patients.

Applications of Curcumin and Its Nanoforms in the Treatment of Cancer

Due to the diverse medicinal and pharmacokinetic properties of turmeric, it is well-known in the therapeutic, pharmaceutic, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and dietary industries. It gained importance due to its multitude of properties, such as wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, cytoprotective, anti-aging, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory effects. Even though the natural healing effect of turmeric has been known to Indians as early as 2500 BCE, the global demand for turmeric has increased only recently. A major reason for the beneficiary activities of turmeric is the presence of the yellow-colored polyphenolic compound called curcumin. Many studies have been carried out on the various properties of curcumin and its derivatives. Despite its low bioavailability, curcumin has been effectively used for the treatment of many diseases, such as cardiovascular and neurological diseases, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. The advent of nanobiotechnology has further opened wide opportunities to explore and expand the use of curcumin in the medical field. Nanoformulations using curcumin and its derivatives helped to design new treatment modalities, specifically in cancer, because of the better bioavailability and solubility of nanocurcumin when compared to natural curcumin. This review deals with the various applications of curcumin nanoparticles in cancer therapy and broadly tries to understand how it affect the immunological status of the cancer cell.

Molecular modeling study of micro and nanocurcumin with in vitro and in vivo antibacterial validation

Repurposing natural compounds as inhibitory targets to combat bacterial virulence is an important potential strategy to overcome resistance to traditional antibiotics, in the present study, the antibacterial activity of micro-curcumin and nano-sized curcumin was investigated against four predominant bacterial pathogens, namely, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. Curcumin bactericidal susceptibility could be summarized as the order, P. aeruginosa > B. subtilis > S. aureus > E. coli. Molecular docking analysis was conducted to confirm the impact of curcumin on the most vital and positively identified quorum-sensing pathway signaling proteins SecA-SecY, LsrR, PqsR (MvfR), AgrA which act as key players in the bacterial communication systems. The in silico physicochemical properties revealed that curcumin as a nutraceutical can be classified as a drug-like compound. An in vivo infected wound model was employed in four groups of albino rats. Topical application of nano-curcumin lotion showed a marked reduction in wound area (98.8%) as well as nearly 100% reduction in total bacterial viable count compared to the control group, on the fifteenth day post-treatment post-injury. The obtained data suggested that curcumin nanoparticles exhibited superior antibacterial activity and may possess clinical utility as a novel topical antimicrobial and wound healing agent.

Improved anticancer efficacy of methyl pyropheophorbide-a-incorporated solid lipid nanoparticles in photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising anticancer treatment because it is patient-friendly and non-invasive. Methyl pyropheophorbide-a (MPPa), one of the chlorin class photosensitizers, is a drug with poor aqueous solubility. The purpose of this study was to synthesize MPPa and develop MPPa-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) with improved solubility and PDT efficacy. The synthesized MPPa was confirmed ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) spectroscopy and UV-Vis spectroscopy. MPPa was encapsulated in SLN via a hot homogenization with sonication. Particle characterization was performed using particle size and zeta potential measurements. The pharmacological effect of MPPa was evaluated using the 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) assay and anti-cancer effect against HeLa and A549 cell lines. The particle size and zeta potential ranged from 231.37 to 424.07 nm and - 17.37 to - 24.20 mV, respectively. MPPa showed sustained release from MPPa-loaded SLNs. All formulations improved the photostability of MPPa. The DPBF assay showed that SLNs enhanced the ¹O₂ generation from MPPa. In the photocytotoxicity analysis, MPPa-loaded SLNs demonstrated cytotoxicity upon photoirradiation but not in the dark. The PDT efficacy of MPPa improved following its entrapment in SLNs. This observation suggests that MPPa-loaded SLNs are suitable for the enhanced permeability and retention effect. Together, these results demonstrate that the developed MPPa-loaded SLNs are promising candidates for cancer treatment using PDT.

Protoscolicidal effects of curcumin nanoemulsion against protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to assess in vitro protoscolicidal effects of curcumin nanoemulsion (CUR-NE) against protoscoleces of cystic echinococcosis (CE)/hydatid cysts.

METHODS

The CUR-NE was prepared via spontaneous emulsification of soybean as the oil phase, a mixture of Tween 80 and Tween 85 as the surfactant, ethanol as the co-surfactant and distilled water. Various concentrations of CUR-NE (156, 312, 625 and 1250 µg/ml) were exposed to collected protoscoleces of infected sheep liver hydatid cysts for 10, 20, 30, 60 and 120 min. Viability of the protoscoleces were assessed using eosin exclusion test. Morphological changes of the protoscoleces were observed using differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy.

RESULTS

The mean particle size and zeta potential of CUR-NE included 60.4 ± 14.8 nm and - 16.1 ± 1.1 mV, respectively. Results showed that the viability of the protoscoleces decreased significantly with increases in CUR-NE concentrations (p < 0.001). The mortality rates of protoscoleces with exposure to concentrations of 1250 and 625 µg/ml of CUR-NE for 60 min were 94 and 73.33%, respectively. Mortality of the protoscoleces was 100% after 120 min of exposure to 1250 and 625 µg/ml concentrations of CUR-NE. Using NIC microscopy, extensively altered tegumental surface protoscoleces was observed after protoscoleces exposure to CUR-NE.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study revealed the in vitro protoscolicidal potential of CUR-NE. Therefore, CUR-NEs are addressed as novel protoscolicidal agents, which can be used as an alternative natural medicine to kill the protoscoleces, owing to their low toxicity and significant inhibition potency. However, further studies are necessary to investigate pharmacologic and pharmacokinetics of CUR-NEs.

PLGA nanoparticles loaded with curcumin produced luminescence for cell bioimaging

To revise the emission of curcumin (Cur) from "off" to "on", poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles loaded with Cur were embedded in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) emulsifier (named Cur@PLGA-NPs). First, the emission intensities of different nanoformulations, including liposomes, bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles, and PLGA nanoparticles, were examined to discover the most effective carriers for Cur luminescence. As a result, Cur@PLGA-NPs exhibited the highest fluorescence intensity due to aggregation-induced emission (AIE), with quantum yields of 23.78% in aqueous solution and 21.52% in the solid state. According to X-ray diffraction (XRD) data, Cur@PLGA-NPs existed in the amorphous state, with a size of 217.2 ± 5.2 nm, an encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 69.98%, and a drug loading efficiency (LE) of 1.37%. The intramolecular interactions, which included hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic interactions, π-π interactions and solvatochromic effects, stabilized the chromophore cluster of Cur@PLGA-NPs in terms of nanoparticle formulation. Compared with free Cur, Cur@PLGA-NPs sensitized CT26 cells more efficiently with an IC₅₀ value of 16.9 μmol/L and an apoptotic rate of 17.20% at 10 μmol/L Cur. Because of the robust fluorescence emission based on AIE, Cur@PLGA-NPs were utilized as a nano-AIE probe for cell bioimaging, and many red fluorescent signals were observed in CT26 cells after treatment. These results suggest that Cur@PLGA-NPs provide a novel amorphous AIE formulation with imaging and bioactive capabilities.

Antibacterial and biofilm-inhibitory effects of vancomycin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles on methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative bacteria

The present study aimed to prepare and characterize vancomycin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Van-MSNs) to detect inhibitory effects on the planktonic and biofilm forms of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates, and study the biocompatibility and toxicity of Van-MSNs in vitro as well as antibacterial activity of Van-MSNs against Gram-negative bacteria. The inhibitory effects of Van-MSNs were investigated on MRSA using the determination of minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum biofilm-inhibitory concentrations (MBIC) as well as the effect on bacterial attachment. Biocompatibility was studied by examining the effect of Van-MSNs on the lysis and sedimentation rate of red blood cells (RBC). The interaction of Van-MSNs with human blood plasma was detected by the SDS-PAGE approach. The cytotoxic effect of the Van-MSNs on human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) was evaluated by the MTT assay. The antibacterial effects of vancomycin and Van-MSNs on Gram-negative bacteria were also investigated using MIC determination using the broth microdilution method. Furthermore, bacteria outer membrane (OM) permeabilization was determined. Van-MSNs showed inhibitory effects on planktonic and biofilm forms of bacteria on all isolates at levels lower than MICs and MBICs of free vancomycin, but the antibiofilm effect of Van-MSNs was not significant. However, Van-MSNs did not affect bacterial attachment to surfaces. Van-loaded MSNs did not show a considerable effect on the lysis and sedimentation of RBC. A low interaction of Van-MSNs was detected with albumin (66.5 kDa). The hBM-MSCs viability in exposure to different levels of Van-MSNs was 91-100%. MICs of ≥ 128 µg/mL were observed for vancomycin against all Gram-negative bacteria. In contrast, Van-MSNs exhibited modest antibacterial activity inhibiting the tested Gram-negative bacterial strains, at concentrations of ≤ 16 µg/mL. Van-MSNs increased the OM permeability of bacteria that can increase the antimicrobial effect of vancomycin. According to our findings, Van-loaded MSNs have low cytotoxicity, desirable biocompatibility, and antibacterial effects and can be an option for the battle against planktonic MRSA.

Fabrication of polydopamine reduced CuO nanoparticle-alginate composite nanogels for management of Pseudomonas synringae pv. tabaci in tobacco

BACKGROUND

The wildfire disease on tobacco can seriously hinder plants. Meanwhile, its pathogen, Pseudomonas syringae, can also infect over 200 plants and threat agriculture production. However, the disease usually occurs after summer rains which washes away most copper (Cu)-based bactericides, allowing the disease to invade. Therefore, we fabricate a new nanogel with high disease control and anti-erosion ability and study the effects of the reductant on the performance of the copper oxide nanoparticle (CuONP) composite nanogel.

RESULTS

Polydopamine (PDA) is a polycation for both in situ reduction of CuONP in alginate nanogels and for adjusting the copper ion (Cu²⁺ ) releasing rate in this work. The composite nanogel fabricated by PDA (PDA-CuONP@ALGNP@CTAC) had a higher Cu²⁺ releasing rate, damaging the pathogen membrane more efficiently, allowing for better disease control and plant growth promotion when compared to sodium borohydride (SBH)-fabricated nanogel (SBH-CuONP@ALGNP@CTAC) or the commercial bactericide, thiodiazole copper. The PDA-CuONP@ALGNP@CTAC had a high anti-erosion ability and could remain adhered to the leaf surface even after five rain event simulations.

CONCLUSION

The addition of polycations (like PDA) into CuONP composite nanogel could increase the Cu²⁺ releasing rate, resulting in improved disease management when compared to SBH-CuONP@ALGNP@CTAC or thiodiazole copper. The PDA containing gel had an improved anti-erosion ability and water resistance. This new composite nanogel has a high potential for wildfire disease control, improving agricultural production. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Role of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles and Doxorubicin in Improving Cancer Management: A Mini Review

Cancer is one of the significant issues with public health and the second leading cause of death worldwide. The three most lethal cancers in the general population are stomach, lung, and liver cancers, in which lung and breast cancers cause the majority of cancer-associated deaths among men and women, respectively. CeO2 nanoparticles have a cytoprotectant effect in normal cells and a cytotoxic effect in cancer cells that enables them to induce the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production within cancer cells, which in turn develops reactive nitrogen species (RNS) that interfere with intracellular activities, and this property makes them an excellent anticancer agent. Because of its biofilm suppression, free radical scavenging ability, redox activity, and other unique properties, attention has been bestowed on cerium oxide nanoparticles as a potential alternative to solve many biomedical issues in the future. This review mainly focuses on the combinatorial effect of cerium dioxide nanoparticles and Doxorubicin in cancer management.

Comparison of Antibacterial Activity of Nanocurcumin with Bulk Curcumin

The development of antibacterial compounds using natural products, particularly nano-sized antibacterial products, has been intensively investigated in recent years. This study was conducted to compare the antibacterial activity of nanocurcumin with bulk curcumin against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria. Curcumin was extracted from turmeric rhizome using the Soxhlet extraction with ethanol. A physicochemical fabrication method was used to synthesize nanocurcumin from extracted curcumin. The particle size of nanocurcumin was 87 ± 8 nm. The 1H NMR spectrum of nanocurcumin show that all the peaks are well separated and can be interpreted to those of curcumin. According to the in vitro antibacterial assay, nanocurcumin shows better antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria than bulk curcumin, with increased inhibition zones of 29.91 ± 0.53 mm (S. aureus) and 24.58 ± 1.12 mm (E. coli) when compared to 24.82 ± 0.54 mm (S. aureus) and 19.70 ± 1.18 mm (E. coli) of the latter. Subsequently, antibacterial creams were formulated, and the inhibition zones of nanocurcumin cream were larger than that of curcumin cream for both S. aureus and E. coli, exhibiting its superior antibacterial activity. Different storage periods of up to 1 month did not affect the inhibition zones significantly (p < 0.05), where nanocurcumin cream maintained its better antibacterial quality over bulk curcumin cream. There is no significant cytotoxicity in either of these formulations.

High Drug Loading Nanoparticles Stabilized with Autologous Serum Proteins Passively Inhibits Tumor Growth

We report drug nanocrystals stabilized with host-specific serum proteins with high loading (∼63% w/w). The human serum derived curcumin nanoparticles (Cur-NanoSera) showed superior in vitro anticancer efficiency compared to a free drug with substantial hemocompatibility. The preadsorbed protein coating impeded further protein corona formation, even with repeated serum exposures. Acute and subacute toxicity evaluations post single and dual injections of C57BL/6 mice indicated that Cur-NanoSera showed no prominent inflammatory response or organ damage in the in-bred mice. Passive accumulation of Cur-NanoSera in tumor tissue significantly suppressed its growth in a syngeneic breast tumor model in addition to controlling tumor burden associated splenomegaly.

Anti-inflammatory hydrogel dressings and skin wound healing

Hydrogels are promising and widely utilized in the biomedical field. In recent years, the anti-inflammatory function of hydrogel dressings has been significantly improved, addressing many clinical challenges presented in ongoing endeavours to promote wound healing. Wound healing is a cascaded and highly complex process, especially in chronic wounds, such as diabetic and severe burn wounds, in which adverse endogenous or exogenous factors can interfere with inflammatory regulation, leading to the disruption of the healing process. Although insufficient wound inflammation is uncommon, excessive inflammatory infiltration is an almost universal feature of chronic wounds, which impedes a histological repair of the wound in a predictable biological step and chronological order. Therefore, resolving excessive inflammation in wound healing is essential. In the past 5 years, extensive research has been conducted on hydrogel dressings to address excessive inflammation in wound healing, specifically by efficiently scavenging excessive free radicals, sequestering chemokines and promoting M₁ -to-M₂ polarization of macrophages, thereby regulating inflammation and promoting wound healing. In this study, we introduced novel anti-inflammatory hydrogel dressings and demonstrated innovative methods for their preparation and application to achieve enhanced healing. In addition, we summarize the most important properties required for wound healing and discuss our analysis of potential challenges yet to be addressed.

Wound-Healing Effects of Curcumin and Its Nanoformulations: A Comprehensive Review

Wound healing is an intricate process of tissue repair or remodeling that occurs in response to injury. Plants and plant-derived bioactive constituents are well explored in the treatment of various types of wounds. Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic substance that has been used since ancient times in Ayurveda for its healing properties, as it reduces inflammation and acts on several healing stages. Several research studies for curcumin delivery at the wound site reported the effectiveness of curcumin in eradicating reactive oxygen species and its ability to enhance the deposition of collagen, granulation tissue formation, and finally, expedite wound contraction. Curcumin has been widely investigated for its wound healing potential but its lower solubility and rapid metabolism, in addition to its shorter plasma half-life, have limited its applications in wound healing. As nanotechnology has proven to be an effective technique to accelerate wound healing by stimulating appropriate mobility through various healing phases, curcumin-loaded nanocarriers are used for targeted delivery at the wound sites. This review highlights the potential of curcumin and its nanoformulations, such as liposomes, nanoparticles, and nano-emulsions, etc. in wound healing. This paper emphasizes the numerous biomedical applications of curcumin which collectively prepare a base for its antibiofilm and wound-healing action.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles of Curcumin Designed for Enhanced Bioavailability and Anticancer Efficiency

Curcumin (Cur) has anticancer properties but exhibits poor aqueous solubility, permeability, and photostability. In this study, we aimed to develop a solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) system to enhance Cur bioavailability. The characteristics of Cur-loaded SLNs prepared by sonication were evaluated using UV-vis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The mean particle size of the stearic acid-based, lauric acid-based, and palmitic acid-based SLNs was 14.70-149.30, 502.83, and 469.53 nm, respectively. The chemical interactions between Cur and lipids involved hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces. The formulations with high van der Waals forces might produce a neat arrangement between Cur and lipids, leading to a decrease in particle size. The Cur formulations showed enhanced cytotoxicity in HeLa, A549, and CT-26 cells compared with pure Cur. Additionally, the anticancer effect is dependent on particle size and the type of cell line. Therefore, Cur-loaded SLNs have the potential for use in anticancer therapy.

Active Packaging Films Made by Complex Coacervation of Tragacanth Gum and Gelatin Loaded with Curcumin; Characterization and Antioxidant Activity

The development of biopolymer-based green packaging films has gained remarkable attention in recent years. In this study, curcumin active films were prepared using different proportions of gelatin (GE) and a soluble fraction of tragacanth gum (SFTG) (1GE:1SFTG and 2GE:1SFTG) by complex coacervation. The various ratios of used biopolymers did not significantly impact the mechanical properties, thickness, and WVP of final films. However, biopolymers' ratio impacted the moisture content, water solubility, swelling ratio, and release rate. Blending curcumin with biopolymers caused a reduction in tensile strength (from 1.74 MPa to 0.62 MPa for film containing 1GE:1SFTG and from 1.77 MPa to 0.17 MPa for film containing 2GE:1SFTG) and proliferation in elongation at break (from 81.48% to 122.00% for film containing 1GE:1SFTG and from 98.87% to 109.58% MPa for film containing 2GE:1SFTG). Moisture content and water solubility of films experienced a decrease after the addition of curcumin. Antioxidant activity of curcumin-loaded films was almost five times higher than neat film samples. Furthermore, the interreaction between the carboxylic group of SFTG and amide I of GE formed an amide linkage and was proven by FTIR analysis. TGA showed a drop in the thermal stability of film samples compared to the main ingredients. In general, the complex coacervate of SFTG and GE has the advantage of developing eco-friendly and low-cost packaging film in the food industry, especially for the protection of fatty foods.

Alginate hydrogel with enhanced curcumin release through HPβCD assisted host-guest interaction

The underprivileged pharmacodynamic action of curcumin, which arose from its low water solubility and rapid metabolism, restricts its therapeutic performance. In this study, (2-Hydroxy isopropyl)-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) as a macrocycle host molecule was employed to enhance the availability and control release of curcumin by forming a host-guest inclusion complex within an in-situ forming alginate hydrogel. The formation of the inclusion complexes of curcumin with a single host molecule was characterized by FTIR, XRD, TGA, SEM, and DLS analyses. The inclusion complex of curcumin and HPβCD (HPβCD-Cur) showed a high encapsulation efficiency of 88.2 %. According to DLS results, aqueous dispersion of HPβCD-Cur exhibited a unimodal histogram after 2 and 7 days with average particles size of 207.5 and 230.6 nm, respectively. This observation could be because of the formation of an inclusion complex that effectively distributed in solution and prevented curcumin agglomeration. The prepared alginate hydrogel containing HPβCD-Cur demonstrated >87 % reduction in colonies of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which significantly is higher than that for Alg/Cur (<69 %). The Alg/HPβCD-Cur hydrogel exhibited a high water uptake of 470 % after 2 h, and a curcumin cumulative release of 80 % over 72 h, with proper cytocompatibility. Consequently, it was shown that the HPβCD carrier could act as an apt host molecule that can properly encapsulate curcumin and enhance its release from the Alg/HPβCD-Cur hydrogel.

Curcumin-Loaded Silica Nanoparticles: Applications in Infectious Disease and Food Industry

Curcumin has multiple properties that are used to cure different diseases such as cancer, infections, inflammatory, arthritic disease, etc. Despite having many effects, the inherent physicochemical properties-such as poor water solubility, chemical instability, low bioavailability, photodegradation, fast metabolism, and short half-life-of curcumin's derivatives have limited its medical importance. Recently, unprecedented advances in biomedical nanotechnology have led to the development of nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems in the treatment of diseases and diagnostic goals that simultaneously enhance therapeutic outcomes and avoid side effects. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are promising drug delivery systems for more effective and safer treatment of several diseases, such as infections, cancers, and osteoporosis. Achieving a high drug loading in MSNs is critical to the success of this type of treatment. Their notable inherent properties-such as adjustable size and porosity, high pore volume, large surface area, functionality of versatile surfaces, as well as biocompatibility-have prompted extraordinary research on MSNs as multi-purpose delivery platforms. In this review, we focused on curcumin-loaded silica nanoparticles and their effects on the diagnosis and treatment of infections as well as their use in food packaging.

Investigation of wound healing potential of photo-active curcumin-ZnO-nanoconjugates in excisional wound model

Wound healing, being a dynamic process consisting of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, involves the complicated interplay of various growth mediators and the cells associated repair system. Current wound healing therapies usually fail to completely regain skin integrity and functionality. Traditionally, curcumin is considered a potent natural wound healing agent as it possesses antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also known that zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) have photocatalytic properties, including the generation of reactive oxygen species. ZnO nanoaprticles are also Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved as safe substances. While ZnO oxide requires illumination with ultraviolet light to become photocatalytically active, dye-sensitized ZnO can be activated by illumination with visible light. In the present study, we explored the wound healing potential of ZnO nanoparticles sensitized with curcumin (Cu+ZnO Nps) and illuminated with visible (blue) light generated by an array of high power LEDs. We studied the antibacterial effect of our conjugates by percentage reduction in bacterial growth and biofilm formation. The wound healing potential was analyzed by percentage wound contraction, biochemical parameters, and histopathological analysis of the wounded site. Additionally, angiogenesis and wound associated cytokines was evaluated by immunohistochemistry of CD31 and gene expression analysis of IL-1β, TNF-α, and MMP-9 after 16 days of post-wound treatment, respectively. Our study suggests that the therapeutic effect of Cu+ZnO NPs with LED illumination increases its wound healing potential by producing an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. Moreover, the treatment strategy of using a nano formulation in combination with LED illumination further increases its efficacy. It was concluded that the anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effects of the LED illuminated Cu+ZnO Np showed accelerated wound healing with increased wound contraction, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and re-epithelialization.

Metallosurfactant based synthetic liposomes as a substitute for phospholipids to safely store curcumin

Curcumin has shown remarkable therapeutic utilization for various medical conditions. Still, its limited chemical stability and rapid hydrolysis capped its applications to a certain extent. Approaches have been made in the past to surpass these shortcomings by encapsulating the drug in surfactant-based micelles or liposomes and so far, natural surfactants have been used to do this bidding. Through this report, we are presenting curcumin entrapped inside synthetic metal-based liposomal assembly (metallosomes) based on hybrid-surfactants known as metallosurfactants (MS). Three metallosomes i.e. metallosomes (a), (b), and (c) were synthesized with increasing cholesterol (Chl) ratio w.r.t MS (MS:Chl 1:0, 1:0.5, and 1:1). Firstly, the membrane properties of the metallosomes were studied in the absence of the drug. The studies confirmed the direct influence of Chl concentration on the membrane properties and the metallosomes were found to be more hydrophobic, rigid, homogenous, stable, and less fluid with Chl incorporation. These studies were proven beneficial when drug-loaded metallosomes were studied and metallosomes (c), with the highest Chl content, emerged as the maximum drug loader due to their most hydrophobic nature. However, the drug was released at the slowest rate for this metallosomal system due to its less fluid and more rigid nature. On the other hand, these metallosomes were more efficient for shielding entrapped drug from acidic and alkaline environs as lesser drug degradation was observed in the experiments compared to the free curcumin. These metallosomes also exhibited efficient interactional behavior with bacterial (MRSA) DNA.

Inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus α-Hemolysin Production Using Nanocurcumin Capped Au@ZnO Nanocomposite

Nanoparticles of gold with zinc oxide (Au@ZnO NPs) were prepared by laser ablation and then capped with curcumin nanoparticles (Cur-Au@ZnO NPs). The synthesized NPs were characterized using different techniques, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-visible spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. In addition, the ability of NPs as a promising antibacterial agent was tested against Staphylococcus aureus through the agar well diffusion method and AO/EtBr staining assay. The results showed that the prepared nanoparticles (Cur-Au@ZnO) served as an antibacterial agent and can destroy the bacterial cells by losing the cell wall integrity and penetrating the cytoplasmic membrane. Moreover, the findings confirmed the role of the formed NPs in attenuation of the adherence and invasion of S. aureus to rat embryonic fibroblast (REF) cells. Furthermore, the activity of Cur-Au@ZnO NPs against the S. aureus α-hemolysin toxin was evaluated using the western blot technique, using human alveolar epithelial cells (A549), and through histopathology examination in a mouse model. In conclusion, the built Cur-Au@ZnO NPs can be used as a potential antibacterial agent and an inhibitor of α-hemolysin toxin secreted by S. aureus. These NPs may offer a new strategy in combating pathogen infections and in the future for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

Biodegradable Films of PLA/PPC and Curcumin as Packaging Materials and Smart Indicators of Food Spoilage

Bio-based and biodegradable packaging combined with chemical sensors and indicators has attracted great attention as they can provide protection combined with information on the actual freshness of foodstuffs. In this study, we present an effective, biodegradable, mostly bio-sourced material ideal for sustainable packaging that can also be used as a smart indicator of ammonia (NH₃) vapor and food spoilage. The developed material comprises a blend of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) loaded with curcumin (CCM), which is fabricated via the scalable techniques of melt extrusion and compression molding. Due to the structural similarity of PLA and PPC, they exhibited good compatibility and formed hydrogen bonds within their blends, as proven by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis confirmed that the blends were thermally stable at the used processing temperature (180 °C) with minimal crystallinity. The rheological and mechanical properties of the PLA/PPC blends were easily tuned by changing the ratio of the biopolymers. Supplementing the PLA/PCC samples with CCM resulted in efficient absorption of UV radiation, yet the transparency of the films was preserved (T₇₀₀ ∼ 68-84%). The investigation of CCM extract in ethanol with the DPPH^• assay demonstrated that the samples could also provide effective antioxidant action, due to the tunable release of the CCM. Analyses for water vapor and oxygen permeability showed that the PPC improved the barrier properties of the PLA/PPC blends, while the presence of CCM did not hinder barrier performance. The capacity for real-time detection of NH₃ vapor was quantified using the CIELab color space analysis. A change in color of the sample from a yellowish shade to red was observed by the naked eye. Finally, a film of PLA/PPC/CCM was successfully applied as a sticker indicator to monitor the spoilage of shrimps over time, demonstrating an evident color change from yellow to light orange, particularly for the PPC-containing blend. The developed system, therefore, has the potential to serve as a cost-effective, easy-to-use, nondestructive, smart indicator for food packaging, as well as a means for NH₃ gas monitoring in industrial and environmental applications.

Cur@SF NPs alleviate Friedreich's ataxia in a mouse model through synergistic iron chelation and antioxidation

Abnormal iron metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction and the derived oxidative damage are the main pathogeneses of Friedrich's ataxia (FRDA), a single-gene inherited recessive neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cerebellar and sensory ataxia. This disease is caused by frataxin (FXN) mutation, which reduces FXN expression and impairs iron sulfur cluster biogenesis. To date, there is no effective therapy to treat this condition. Curcumin is proposed harboring excellent ability to resist oxidative stress through Nrf2 activation and its newly found ability to chelate iron. However, its limitation is its poor water solubility and permeability. Here, we synthesized slow-release nanoparticles (NPs) by loading curcumin (Cur) into silk fibroin (SF) to form NPs with an average size of 150 nm (Cur@SF NPs), which exhibited satisfactory therapeutic effects on the improvement of FRDA manifestation in lymphoblasts (1 μM) derived from FRDA patients and in YG8R mice (150 mg/kg/5 days). Cur@SF NPs not only removed iron from the heart and diminished oxidative stress in general but also potentiate iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis, which compensates FXN deficiency to improve the morphology and function of mitochondria. Cur@SF NPs showed a significant advantage in neuron and myocardial function, thereby improving FRDA mouse behavior scores. These data encourage us to propose that Cur@SF NPs are a promising therapeutic compound in the application of FRDA disease.

The Natural Product Curcumin as an Antibacterial Agent: Current Achievements and Problems

The rapid spread of antibiotic resistance and lack of effective drugs for treating infections caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria in animal and human medicine have forced us to find new antibacterial strategies. Natural products have served as powerful therapeutics against bacterial infection and are still an important source for the discovery of novel antibacterial drugs. Curcumin, an important constituent of turmeric, is considered safe for oral consumption to treat bacterial infections. Many studies showed that curcumin exhibited antibacterial activities against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The antibacterial action of curcumin involves the disruption of the bacterial membrane, inhibition of the production of bacterial virulence factors and biofilm formation, and the induction of oxidative stress. These characteristics also contribute to explain how curcumin acts a broad-spectrum antibacterial adjuvant, which was evidenced by the markedly additive or synergistical effects with various types of conventional antibiotics or non-antibiotic compounds. In this review, we summarize the antibacterial properties, underlying molecular mechanism of curcumin, and discuss its combination use, nano-formulations, safety, and current challenges towards development as an antibacterial agent. We hope that this review provides valuable insight, stimulates broader discussions, and spurs further developments around this promising natural product.

Curcumin nanoformulations: Beneficial nanomedicine against cancer

Curcumin is a phytochemical achieved from the plant turmeric. It is extensively utilized for the treatment of several types of diseases such as cancers. Nevertheless, its efficiency has been limited because of rapid metabolism, low bioavailability, poor water solubility, and systemic elimination. Scientists have tried to solve these problems by exploring novel drug delivery systems such as lipid-based nanoparticles (NPs) (e.g., solid lipid NPs, nanostructured lipid carriers, and liposomes), polymeric NPs, micelles, nanogels, cyclodextrin, gold, and mesoporous silica NPs. Among these, liposomes have been the most expansively studied. This review mainly focuses on the different curcumin nanoformulations and their use in cancer therapy in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. Despite the development of curcumin-containing NPs for the treatment of cancer, potentially serious side effects, including interactions with other drugs, some toxicity aspects of NPs may occur that require more high-quality investigations to firmly establish the clinical efficacy.

Boron Nitride Nanotubes for Curcumin Delivery as an Anticancer Drug: A DFT Investigation

The electrical properties and characteristics of the armchair boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) that interacts with the curcumin molecule as an anticancer drug were studied using ab initio calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). In this study, a (5,5) armchair BNNT was employed, and two different interactions were investigated, including the interaction of the curcumin molecule with the outer and inner surfaces of the BNNT. The adsorption of curcumin molecules on the investigated BNNT inside the surface is a more favorable process than adsorption on the outside surface, and the more persistent and stronger connection correlates with curcumin molecule adsorption in this case. Furthermore, analysis of the HOMO–LUMO gap after the adsorption process showed that the HOMO value increased marginally while the LUMO value decreased dramatically in the curcumin-BNNT complexes. As a result, the energy gaps between HOMO and LUMO (Eg) are narrowed, emphasizing the stronger intermolecular bonds. As a result, BNNTs can be employed as a drug carrier in biological systems to transport curcumin, an anticancer medication, and thereby improve its bioavailability.

Modeling the Properties of Curcumin Derivatives in Relation to the Architecture of the Siloxane Host Matrices

Research in the field of natural dyes has constantly focused on methods of conditioning curcumin and diversifying their fields of use. In this study, hybrid materials were obtained from modified silica structures, as host matrices, in which curcumin dyes were embedded. The influence of the silica network structure on the optical properties and the antimicrobial activity of the hybrid materials was monitored. By modifying the ratio between phenyltriethoxysilane:diphenyldimethoxysilane (PTES:DPDMES), it was possible to evaluate the influence the organosilane network modifiers had on the morphostructural characteristics of nanocomposites. The nanosols were obtained by the sol-gel method, in acid catalysis. The nanocomposites obtained were deposited as films on a glass support and showed a transmittance value (T measured at 550 nm) of around 90% and reflectance of about 11%, comparable to the properties of the uncovered support. For the coatings deposited on PET (polyethylene terephthalate) films, these properties remained at average values of T550 = 85% and R550 = 11% without significantly modifying the optical properties of the support. The sequestration of the dye in silica networks reduced the antimicrobial activity of the nanocomposites obtained, by comparison to native dyes. Tests performed on Candida albicans fungi showed good results for the two curcumin derivatives embedded in silica networks (11-18 mm) by using the spot inoculation method; in comparison, the alcoholic dye solution has a spot diameter of 20-23 mm. In addition, hybrids with the CA derivative were the most effective (halo diameter of 17-18 mm) in inhibiting the growth of Gram-positive bacteria, compared to the curcumin derivative in alcoholic solution (halo diameter of 21 mm). The results of the study showed that the presence of 20-40% by weight DPDMES in the composition of nanosols is the optimal range for obtaining hybrid films that host curcumin derivatives, with potential uses in the field of optical films or bioactive coatings.

Preparation, Physicochemical Assessment and the Antimicrobial Action of Hydroxyapatite-Gelatin/Curcumin Nanofibrous Composites as a Dental Biomaterial

In this study, we prepared and evaluated hydroxyapatite-gelatin/curcumin nanofibrous composites and determined their antimicrobial effects against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus mutans. Hydroxyapatite-gelatin/curcumin nanofibrous composites were prepared by the electrospinning method. The prepared nanocomposites were then subjected to physicochemical studies by the light scattering method for their particle size, Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to identify their functional groups, X-ray diffraction (XRD) to study their crystallinity, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study their morphology. For the microbial evaluation of nanocomposites, the disk diffusion method was used against Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. The results showed that the nanofibers were uniform in shape without any bead (structural defects). The release pattern of curcumin from the nanocomposite was a two-stage release, 60% of which was released in the first two days and the rest being slowly released until the 14th day. The results of the microbial evaluations showed that the nanocomposites had significant antimicrobial effects against all bacteria (p = 0.0086). It seems that these nanocomposites can be used in dental tissue engineering or as other dental materials. Also, according to the appropriate microbial results, these plant antimicrobials can be used instead of chemical antimicrobials, or along with them, to reduce bacterial resistance.