Biocompatible Luminescent Nanosized Curcumin: Verified Parameters Affecting Stability and Bioavailability

Purpose: Curcumin one of the herbal compounds that are used as an antitumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agent. However, curcumin applications are limited due to its poor chemical stability and low water-solubility. On the contrary, the enhanced solubility of nanocurcumin improves its bioavailability and cellular uptake. The present study aims to verify a simple, achievable, and reproducible method for preparation of biocompatible nanocurcumin and to optimize the different parameters included in this method. Methods: In our study, we used solvent anti-solvent precipitation method to synthesis curcumin nanoparticles. For biocompatibility, we screened different organic solvents to verify the best safe one with the highest solubility effect to curcumin. Furthermore, we tested the effect of adding stabilizersto enhance the stability and yielding capacity of the nanocurcumin. Thereafter, the stabilized nanosample was tested for water-solubility and luminescence Results: Acetone-dissolved nanocurcumin gave clear amber yellow nanosuspension without any precipitate and with an acceptable concentration of nanosuspension. With limiting the stirring rate and time to the minimum, the nanosample was monodispersed. Furthermore, stabilized nanocurcumin revealed the highest solubility and luminescence. Conclusion: The prompt fluorescent property of the soluble nanosized curcumin would qualify this herbal nano-candidate to be utilized as a theranostic agent.