Title:Curcumin Nanofibers: A Novel Approach to Enhance the Anticancer
Potential and Bioavailability of Curcuminoids
Volume: 30
Issue: 3
Author(s): Mahshid Ataei, Basil D. Roufogalis, Muhammed Majeed, Muhammad A. Shah and Amirhossein Sahebkar*
Affiliation:
- Biotechnology
Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad,
Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Department of Medical
Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad,
Iran
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences,
Mashhad, Iran
Keywords:
Curcumin, nanofiber, cancer, electrospinning, bioavailability of curcuminoids, chemotherapeutic resistance.
Abstract: Development of novel treatment methods for cancer is needed given the limitations
of current treatment methods, including side effects and chemotherapeutic resistance,
which may provide new hope to cancer patients. Cancer is the second leading
cause of global mortality. Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, has been used
since ancient times for various therapeutic purposes. Several studies have identified its activity
against cancer. Despite the established anticancer activity of curcumin, its low aqueous
solubility and bioavailability are barriers to its effectiveness. In an attempt to solve
this problem, many studies have formulated curcumin nanofiber preparations using a variety
of methods. Electrospinning is a simple and affordable method for the production of
nanofibers. Studies have shown increased curcumin bioavailability in nanofibers resulting
from their high surface/volume ratio and porosity. We have undertaken a detailed review
of studies on the anticancer effects of curcumin nanofibers. Curcumin acts by inhibiting
various biological cancer pathways, including NF-κB, mTOR, complex I, cytokines,
expression of p-p65, Ki67, and angiogenesis-associated genes. It also induces
apoptosis through activation of caspase pathways and ROS production in cancer cells.
Curcumin-loaded PLA50/PVP50/Cur15 nanofibers were investigated in breast cancer,
one of the most studied cancers, and was shown to have significant effects on the widely
used HeLa-cell line. Most of the studies undertaken have been performed in cell lines in
vitro, while relatively few animal studies have been reported. More preclinical and clinical
studies are needed to evaluate the anticancer activity of curcumin nanofibers.
Amongst studies undertaken, a variety of curcumin nanofibers of various formulations
have been shown to suppress a variety of cancer types. Overall, curcumin nanofibers
have been found to be more efficient than free curcumin. Thus, curcumin nanofibers
have been observed to improvise cancer treatment, offering great potential for effective
cancer management. Further studies, both in vitro and in vivo, involving curcumin nanofibers
have the potential to benefit cancer management.
