Curcumin Delivery by Modified Biosourced Carbon-Based Nanoparticles

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> To prepare a novel hybrid system for the controlled release and delivery of curcumin (CUR). <b>Methods:</b> A method for the ultrasound-assisted fabrication of protein-modified nanosized graphene oxide-like carbon-based nanoparticles (CBNPs) was developed. After being modified with bovine serum albumin (BSA), CUR was loaded onto the synthesized hybrid (labeled CBNPs@BSA-CUR). The structure and properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were elucidated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) methods. <b>Results:</b> CBNPs@BSA-CUR showed pH sensitivity and were calculated as controlled CUR release behavior. The drug-free system exhibited good biocompatibility and was nontoxic. However, CBNPs@BSA-CUR showed acceptable antiproliferative ability against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. <b>Conclusion:</b> CBNPs@BSA-CUR could be considered a highly promising nontoxic nanocarrier for the delivery of CUR with good biosafety.