Abstract

Curcumin, a naturally occurring polyphenol derived from Curcuma longa, exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. However, its therapeutic application is significantly hampered by poor aqueous solubility, rapid metabolism, and limited bioavailability. This study aims to address these limitations by encapsulating curcumin within novel nano-lipid carriers (NLCs). The NLCs were synthesized using a high-pressure homogenization method, optimized for particle size, encapsulation efficiency, and drug loading. Comprehensive characterization using dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed the formation of stable, nanoscale particles. In vitro release studies demonstrated sustained curcumin release from the NLCs, while cellular uptake studies using cancer cell lines revealed enhanced internalization compared to free curcumin. Furthermore, the curcumin-loaded NLCs exhibited significantly improved anticancer activity in vitro, suggesting a promising approach for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of curcumin. This research highlights the potential of NLCs as an effective drug delivery system for improving the bioavailability and targeted delivery of curcumin for cancer therapy.