Nesa Rafati1, Ali Zarrabi1,2, Fabrizio Caldera3, Francesco Trotta3, Narges Ghias4. 1. Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Sciences & Technologies, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran. 2. Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, Turkey. 3. Department of Chemistry and NIS Centre, University of Turin, Torino, Italy. 4. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Aim: In this study, a nanosponge structure was synthesised with capability of encapsulating curcumin as a model polyphenolic compound and one of the herbal remedies that have widely been considered due to its ability to treat cancer. Methods: FTIR, DSC and XRD techniques were performed to confirm the formation of the inclusion complex of the nanosponge-drug. Results: DSC and XRD patterns showed an increasing stability and a decreasing crystallinity of curcumin after formation of inclusion complex. Encapsulation efficiency was 98% (w/w) and a significant increase was observed in loading capacity (184% w/w). The results of cytotoxicity assessments demonstrated no cell toxicity on the healthy cell line, while being toxic against cancer cells. Haemolysis test was performed to evaluate the blood-compatibility characteristic of nanosponge and complex and the results showed 0.54% haemolysis in the lowest complex concentration (50μgml-1) and 5.09% at the highest concentration (200μgml-1).Conclusions: Thus, the introduced system could be widely considered in cancer treatment as a drug delivery system.
Aim: In this study, a nanosponge structure was synthesised with capability of encapsulating curcumin as a model polyphenolic compound and one of the herbal remedies that have widely been considered due to its ability to treat cancer. Methods: FTIR, DSC and XRD techniques were performed to confirm the formation of the inclusion complex of the nanosponge-drug. Results:DSC and XRD patterns showed an increasing stability and a decreasing crystallinity of curcumin after formation of inclusion complex. Encapsulation efficiency was 98% (w/w) and a significant increase was observed in loading capacity (184% w/w). The results of cytotoxicity assessments demonstrated no cell toxicity on the healthy cell line, while being toxic against cancer cells. Haemolysis test was performed to evaluate the blood-compatibility characteristic of nanosponge and complex and the results showed 0.54% haemolysis in the lowest complex concentration (50μgml-1) and 5.09% at the highest concentration (200μgml-1).Conclusions: Thus, the introduced system could be widely considered in cancer treatment as a drug delivery system.