Development of Bio-compatible Curcumin-loaded BSA Nanoparticles with Enhanced AntiCancer and Anti-Bacterial Potential

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a highly aggressive and therapy-refractory brain tumor, with treatment efficacy severely limited by the blood–brain barrier, tumor heterogeneity, and systemic toxicity of conventional therapies. This study reports the development of a multifunctional and biocompatible nanoparticulate delivery system based on curcumin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (CUR-BSA NPs) to address curcumin’s poor solubility and bioavailability. Nanoparticles were synthesized using the desolvation method and optimized for size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index. Encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, and in vitro release studies demonstrated enhanced solubility and sustained release of curcumin. In vitro cytotoxicity assays using LN229 glioblastoma cells revealed significantly higher anticancer activity of CUR-BSA NPs compared to free curcumin. Hemolysis and hemagglutination tests confirmed blood compatibility, while antimicrobial evaluation against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Successful drug encapsulation and nanoparticle integrity were validated using FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy, while SEM, DLS, XRD, and DSC analyses confirmed suitable morphology, crystallinity, and thermal stability of the formulation. This study highlights CUR-BSA NPs as a potential nanocarrier system that can overcome curcumin's pharmacokinetic drawbacks and potentially enhance glioblastoma therapy through targeted and extended release.