In vitro evaluation of anti-melanoma activity of curcumin-loaded dextran stearate micelles against B16F10 cells
Seyed Sepehr Uroomiye, Kianoosh Karami, Mazaher Ahmadi, Katayoun Derakhshandeh, Amir Nili AhmadabadiBackground and purpose:
Malignant melanoma presents significant therapeutic challenges. Curcumin, a natural anticancer compound, is limited due to low bioavailability. This study synthesized and evaluated amphiphilic dextran stearate (Dex-SA) micelles as a nanocarrier to enhance the efficacy of curcumin against melanoma.
Experimental approach:
We synthesized the Dex-SA copolymer via Steglich esterification and characterized it by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Curcumin-loaded micelles (Cur-Dex-SA) were prepared using dialysis and subsequently assessed for their physicochemical properties, morphology, and drug release characteristics.
Findings/Results:
FTIR confirmed Dex-SA synthesis. Cur-Dex-SA micelles were spherical, with a particle size of 230 ± 12 nm, polydispersity index of 0.3 ± 0.06, zeta potential of -10 ± 0.9 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 83.23 ± 3%. They showed prolonged drug release and enhanced uptake in B16F10 cells. Cur-Dex-SA showed higher cytotoxicity against melanoma cells (IC 50 : 19.66 μM) than free curcumin (IC 50 : 44.66 μM at 48 h), with lower fibroblast toxicity, which correlated with elevated ROS and reduced TAC.
Conclusion and implications:
Cur-Dex-SA micelles enhance curcumin’s solubility, uptake, and selective cytotoxicity against melanoma