Conjugation of curcumin with PVP capped gold nanoparticles for improving bioavailability

Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound, has astounding therapeutic applications but lacks in bioavailability mainly due to its poor solubility in water. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) which is a proven drug carrier has been used to facilitate the conjugation of curcumin with gold nanoparticles and to improve the solubility of curcumin in water. In this conjugate diaryl heptanoid chromophore group of curcumin which is a much needed group in biomedical applications remains intact as observed from FTIR and UV–vis spectroscopy analysis. The work shows good promise for such conjugates as therapeutic-cum-imaging materials in biomedical field.