Pyromellitic dianhydride crosslinked cyclodextrin nanosponges for curcumin controlled release; formulation, physicochemical characterization and cytotoxicity investigations

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.

Keywords:

• Nanosponge
• curcumin
• inclusion complex
• solubility
• anti-cancer

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.