Curcumin-loaded albumin nanoparticles synthesis, characterization and in-vitro evaluation of cytotoxic effects against U-87 MG cells

Objective(s): Curcumin (Cur) as a natural bioactive compound has shown potential capability to fight a variety of malignancies. In this study, bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (BSA NPs) were applied to improve bioavailability and increase the effectiveness of the hydrophobic curcumin against human glioblastoma brain cancer cells. Methods: BSA NPs were synthesized and Cur was loaded in nanoparticles, based on desolvation method. Characterization studies were performed using dynamic light scattering, UV-Visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). Curcumin release from albumin nanoparticles was investigated in vitro and finally the cytotoxicity evaluation against U-87 MG cell line was studied by MTT method. Results: The curcumin loaded nanoparticles (BSA-Cur NPs) showed a homogeneous spherical shape with mean particle size and polydispersity index (PDI) of 182.1 ± 2.02 nm and 0.105 ± 0.02, also drug loading content (DL%) and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) were obtained 11.73% and 83.26%, respectively. Cur showed a sustained release from BSA NPs with maximum release percentage of 30% after 48 hours. The results of MTT assay revealed that after 48 h treatment BSA-Cur NPs have more cytotoxicity on U-87 MG cells compared to free Cur, owning IC50 values of 33.08 ± 0.1.27 and 17.43 ± 1.37, respectively. Conclusions: According to the results of this study, albumin nanoparticles can be considered as a promising carrier for improving the effectiveness of curcumin in drug delivery against glioblastoma.