Sustained release of curcumin from fibrin matrix induces cancer cell death and immunomodulation

Despite the role of curcumin in controlling inflammation, angiogenesis, and cancer in human cells, its therapeutic use is limited. The reasons are quick metabolic breakdown, low aqueous solubility, and bioavailability. This study describes the advantages of clinical-grade curcumin-incorporated fibrin matrix either in lyophilized off-the-shelf wafer or injectable hydrogel forms, as a biodegradable local delivery system. To produce the curcumin-fibrin wafer, used clinical-grade fibrin sealant in a modified composition. To fabricate wafer, we premixed the curcumin with either fibrinogen or thrombin, before clotting into a hydrogel. Sustained release of active curcumin from fibrin wafer, suspended in culture medium at 37 °C lasted for seven days. Upon premixing albumin with thrombin and subsequently adding curcumin into the mixture improved the loading concentration and stability. Dose- and time-dependent apoptotic function of curcumin on cancer cell lines upon release from fibrin wafer, were demonstrated in vitro. In vivo immuno-modulation and a nontoxic response to curcumin released from fibrin into the peritoneal cavity of mice were established. The cytotoxic effect of released curcumin was demonstrated; showing both a preventive and therapeutic role against tumor growth. In vivo studies used Dalton's Lymphoma Ascites (DLA) mice model. Both implanted fibrin wafer and injected hydrogel can breakdown by a physiological process and get cleared by the fibrinolytic mechanism. The lyophilized fibrin wafer could function as a hemostat, adhere to surgical cancer tissues, and arrest bleeding. The potential of curcumin in preventing solid tumor metastasis may be explored upon the sustained delivery of the molecule from the fibrin wafer.

Antibacterial Action of Curcumin against Staphylococcus aureus: A Brief Review

Curcumin, the major constituent of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae family) or turmeric, commonly used for cooking in Asian cuisine, is known to possess a broad range of pharmacological properties at relatively nontoxic doses. Curcumin is found to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). As demonstrated by in vitro experiment, curcumin exerts even more potent effects when used in combination with various other antibacterial agents. Hence, curcumin which is a natural product derived from plant is believed to have profound medicinal benefits and could be potentially developed into a naturally derived antibiotic in the future. However, there are several noteworthy challenges in the development of curcumin as a medicine. S. aureus infections, particularly those caused by the multidrug-resistant strains, have emerged as a global health issue and urgent action is needed. This review focuses on the antibacterial activities of curcumin against both methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). We also attempt to highlight the potential challenges in the effort of developing curcumin into a therapeutic antibacterial agent.

Passively Targeted Curcumin-Loaded PEGylated PLGA Nanocapsules for Colon Cancer Therapy In Vivo

Clinical applications of curcumin for the treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases have been mainly hindered by its short biological half-life and poor water solubility. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have the potential to enhance the efficacy of poorly soluble drugs for systemic delivery. This study proposes the use of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based polymeric oil-cored nanocapsules (NCs) for curcumin loading and delivery to colon cancer in mice after systemic injection. Formulations of different oil compositions are prepared and characterized for their curcumin loading, physico-chemical properties, and shelf-life stability. The results indicate that castor oil-cored PLGA-based NC achieves high drug loading efficiency (≈18% w(drug)/w(polymer)%) compared to previously reported NCs. Curcumin-loaded NCs internalize more efficiently in CT26 cells than the free drug, and exert therapeutic activity in vitro, leading to apoptosis and blocking the cell cycle. In addition, the formulated NC exhibits an extended blood circulation profile compared to the non-PEGylated NC, and accumulates in the subcutaneous CT26-tumors in mice, after systemic administration. The results are confirmed by optical and single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging. In vivo growth delay studies are performed, and significantly smaller tumor volumes are achieved compared to empty NC injected animals. This study shows the great potential of the formulated NC for treating colon cancer.