Development and Characterization of Curcumin-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles for Enhanced Anticancer Efficacy

Abstract

Curcumin, a potent anticancer compound, suffers from poor solubility and low bioavailability. This study reports the development of biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles encapsulating curcumin for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Nanoparticles were synthesized using an emulsion–solvent evaporation method and characterized by DLS, SEM, and FTIR. The optimized formulation showed a mean size of 162 nm, PDI 0.182, and zeta potential −24 mV, ensuring colloidal stability. In-vitro release studies indicated sustained drug release up to 72 hours following Higuchi kinetics. Cytotoxicity assays on MCF-7 breast cancer cells demonstrated a 3.2-fold increase in cell inhibition compared to free curcumin. The results confirm the potential of PLGA nanoparticles as efficient carriers for hydrophobic anticancer drugs.