Enhancing Solubility and Bioavailability of Curcumin through Novel Dendrimer-based Nanocarrier: A Promising Approach for Therapeutic Efficacy

Aliyari, Afruz; Kiyan Amiri, Shahla; Naderi Manesh, Hossein

Enhancing Solubility and Bioavailability of Curcumin through Novel Dendrimer-based Nanocarrier: A Promising Approach for Therapeutic Efficacy

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

Afruz Aliyari ¹

Shahla Kiyan Amiri ¹

Hossein Naderi Manesh ²

¹ Nanobiotechnology Department, Biological Sciences Faculty, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

² Professor Biophysics Department, Biological Sciences Faculty, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Curcumin, a potent antioxidant extracted from the turmeric plant, is known for its ability to suppress reactive oxygen species (ROS) through activation of antioxidant response elements. However, its clinical utility is limited by poor solubility and rapid elimination. In this study, we aimed to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of curcumin by encapsulating it in fifth-generation polyamidoamine dendrimer nanoparticles. UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed successful encapsulation, with an average nanoparticle size of 275 nm and a positive surface charge of 8 mV. The nanocarrier exhibited a loading capacity of approximately curcumin6 mol per dendrimer 1mol and achieved complete drug release within 72 hours. Cellular uptake assays using a live/dead assay revealed superior uptake of the nanocarrier compared to free curcumin, leading to a significant reduction in cellular ROS levels and apoptosis. Furthermore, in a model of induced oxidative stress using H2O2, curcumin-loaded dendrimer nanoparticles significantly reduced cellular ROS levels compared to free curcumin. These findings highlight the potential of this nanocarrier as an effective and intelligent system for delivering water-insoluble drugs, offering a promising approach for improving the therapeutic efficacy of curcumin.

Keywords

Dendrimer

Curcumin

Antioxidant

Reactive Oxygen Species

Oxidative stress

Subjects

Nanotechnology

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