PLA-HA/Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles loaded with Curcumin: Physicochemical characterization and toxicity evaluation in HCT116 Colorectal cancer cells

Abstract

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common, harmful, and universal cancer and the second lethal type. This paper discusses the therapeutic potential of curcumin, a major curcuminoid found in the substructure of plant Curcuma longa (turmeric), against CRC. Curcumin has the ability to disrupt a variety of cellular signaling pathways and has been validated in several preclinical and clinical studies, but suffers from low solubility and bioavailability. To address these issues, PLA-HA/Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized and loaded with curcumin. The average size and zeta potential of the nanoparticles and the magnetic properties were measured. The drug encapsulation efficiency and cumulative release of curcumin from the nanoparticles under acidic and neutral pH values were evaluated, as well as the cytotoxic effect of the nanoparticles on HCT116 colorectal cancer cells. The results demonstrated that nanoparticles have a high degree of biocompatibility and the ability to carry Curcumin medications. HCT116 cells with 200 µg/ml PLA-HA/Fe3O4/Curcumin nanoparticles have 58.63 ± 3.7% percent cell viability. Ultimately, PLA-HA, Fe3O4, and Curcumin's physicochemical characteristics and impact on cell viability render them valuable instruments for precisely delivering drugs to colorectal cancer cells. The PLA-HA/Fe3O4-curcumin nanoparticles demonstrated a well-targeted drug delivery system for upcoming colorectal cancer treatments, as evidenced by their overall strong cytotoxic effects on colorectal cancer cells and negligible toxicity towards non-cancerous cells.