Curcumin and silver nanoparticles carried out from polysaccharide-based hydrogels improved the photodynamic properties of curcumin through metal-enhanced singlet oxygen effect.

Curcumin and silver nanoparticles carried out from polysaccharide-based hydrogels improved the photodynamic properties of curcumin through metal-enhanced singlet oxygen effect. Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl. 2020 Jul;112:110853 Authors: de Freitas CF, Kimura E, Rubira AF, Muniz EC Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a high incidence and resistance to conventional treatments. Curcumin (CUR) is a promising natural product in the treatment of CRC with excellent in vitro results. However, its low bioavailability is a limiting factor in clinical applications. To overcome, CUR was incorporated into hydrogels constituted by chitosan (CHT) and chondroitin sulfate (CS), natural biopolymers, capable of controlled release. Hydrogels were synthesized in ionic liquids (ILs, [Hmim][HSO4]) improving the solubility of CHT and the hydrogel properties. Furthermore, CUR was combined with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and visible light by Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), which, through the MEO effect (Metal-Enhanced Singlet Oxygen), leads to cell death. It is highlighted the green synthesis of AgNPs using an ultrasound bath. The CHT/CS hydrogels loaded with CUR/AgNPs were properly characterized. Cellular assays showed that the hydrogels (CHT/CS) were not cytotoxic to healthy tissues. However, PDT selective illumination led to inhibition of Caco-2 human colon cancer cells by the CHT/CS/CUR-AgNPs (CC50 = 91.5 μg mL-1 of hydrogel). The cellular uptake as...
Source: Appl Human Sci - Category: Physiology Authors: Tags: Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl Source Type: research