FOOD CHEMISTRY
·
2026
·
IF 10.4
Lv Ya-Nan,Wang Ping-Ping,Fu Xiong,Chen Chun
Optimized emulsion gels were stabilized by crosslinker-free thiolated pectin. • Enhanced interfacial adsorption was verified by quartz crystal microbalance. • Curcumin encapsulation was enhanced by thiolated pectin-based emulsion gels. • Colon targeted and sustained release under in vitro simulated digestion was achieved. In this study, thiolated pectin with tunable modification degrees was successfully synthesized. Structural confirmation was achieved and the thiol group content was determined to range from 321.25 to 565.47 μmol/g. Thiolated pectin effectively stabilized gel-like emulsions with storage modulus (981.6–2027.2 Pa) remarkably higher than that of unmodified ones (46.4 Pa). Microscopic analysis revealed a honeycomb-like network that tightened with higher thiolation levels. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation demonstrated improved interfacial adsorption and the formation of a cohesive film via disulfide bond. The curcumin encapsulation was significantly improved to 89.87% by thiolated pectin, and curcumin retention was approximately doubled relative to unmodified pectin. Furthermore, the curcumin release was significantly inhibited in the simulated gastric and small intestinal phases, while its cumulative release during the simulated colonic phase reached up to 71.75%. This work proposed an exogenous crosslinker-free strategy for the encapsulation of lipophilic bioactives, which exhibited considerable potential for colon-targeted delivery. Download: Download high-res image (138KB) Download: Download full-size image
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
International Journal of Pharmaceutics-X
·
2026
·
IF 7.9
Liang He,Chenke Wei,Yukai Guo,Xinting Yang,Quan Lin,Wan Wang,Chao Zheng
Postoperative recurrence remains a major challenge in prostate cancer (PCa) treatment, and insufficient drug concentration at the tumor site represents a critical barrier to effectively suppressing tumor regrowth and lymph node metastasis. To address these limitations, we developed a photo-crosslinkable oxidized konjac glucomannan/gelatin-methacrylate hydrogel (OG@Cur) for localized and sustained delivery of curcumin (Cur) during the postoperative period. This hydrogel forms a porous and adhesive network that enables prolonged curcumin release during biodegradation while simultaneously facilitating hemostasis. Cur released from the hydrogel maintained a high local concentration at the surgical site, thereby enhancing antitumor activity through the induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation. In a postoperative PCa recurrence model, this localized and sustained delivery strategy significantly suppressed tumor regrowth and reduced lymph node metastasis, while exhibiting good biocompatibility. Overall, this hydrogel system, which continuously releases curcumin, provides an effective localized therapeutic approach for preventing postoperative prostate cancer recurrence and may offer advantages over conventional systemic therapies.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
·
2019
·
IF 3.973
Yajun Cheng,Yudi Zhang,Weijun Deng,Jing Hu
Asymmetric mesoporous silica nanoparticles with anisotropic geometry and dual-compartments are highly desired for loading and release of dual-drugs in separated storage spaces. In this study, an asymmetric lollipop-like mesoporous silica nanoparticle Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 &EPMO (EPMO = ethane bridged periodic mesoporous organosilica) was successfully developed via an anisotropic epitaxial growth strategy. The asymmetric nanoparticles show a uniform lollipop shape with a head of spherical Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 core-shell that is 200 nm in diameter and a tail of EPMO nanorods with a length of ∼90 nm, and a specific surface area of ∼650.3 m 2 g −1 . Most importantly, the asymmetric nanoparticles possess the unique dual independent (hydrophilic/hydrophobic) spaces with good loading capacities and are significantly more efficient for cancer cell killing than pure drug based on in vitro studies. Additionally, the dual-drug-loaded nanoparticles exhibited excellent antibacterial activity.
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Frontiers in Pharmacology
·
2025
·
IF 4.8
Shanshan Liu,Jing Yan,Jian Dong
Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by cognitive impairment, amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation, tau hyperphosphorylation, and chronic neuroinflammation. Despite symptomatic treatments, no current therapies halt disease progression. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers potential multi-targeted interventions in complex diseases like AD. In this study, we evaluated the individual and combined neuroprotective effects of curcumin and Glycyrrhiza glabra in a D-galactose sodium nitrite-induced mouse model of AD. Behavioral analysis, biochemical assays, and molecular profiling were conducted to assess cognitive function, inflammatory cytokine expression, oxidative stress, and AD-related protein levels.Methods: Mice were randomly assigned to five groups: control, AD model, curcumin-treated, Glycyrrhiza glabra-treated, and combination-treated groups. Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze. Levels of neuroinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6(IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), AD-related proteins amyloid precursor protein (APP) and microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT),oxidative stress (MDA), and antioxidant capacity (SOD) were evaluated via quantitative PCR and Western blotting.Results: Curcumin alone modestly improved spatial learning and reduced IL-6 (p < 0.05), whereas Glycyrrhiza glabra had limited effects. The combination therapy yielded the strongest outcomes, significantly reducing escape latency (p < 0.01), IL-6 and TNF-α levels (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05), and downregulating APP and MAPT expression. Additionally, oxidative damage was attenuated, as indicated by decreased MDA and elevated SOD activity (p < 0.001). Although direct measurement of TLR4/NF-κB phosphorylation was not performed, the observed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects suggest possible modulation of this pathway.Conclusion: Co-administration of curcumin and Glycyrrhiza glabra exerts synergistic neuroprotective effects by attenuating neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and AD-related protein expression, surpassing monotherapy outcomes. These findings suggest a synergistic neuroprotective mechanism via modulation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and redox pathways. This study provides preclinical evidence supporting the development of TCM-based combination strategies for AD intervention.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
·
2026
·
IF 8
Pengrui Wu,Xindi Wei,Zhihong Song,Chunling Nie,Zhonghui Shen,Yijun Liu,YanBo Wang,JianGuo Wang,Hong Zeng
Developing environmentally friendly delivery systems capable of encapsulating, protecting, and promoting the absorption of bioactive components in the human body is crucial for those with low oral bioavailability and poor stability. This study developed W/O/W emulsion-filled sodium alginate (SA) hydrogel for the co-delivery of hydrophilic riboflavin and hydrophobic curcumin. Firstly, W/O/W emulsion was prepared using peanut protein isolate (PPI)-bacterial cellulose nanofibers (BCNFs) as the hydrophilic emulsifier and lecithin as the lipophilic emulsifier, and the effect of stabilizer concentrations on emulsion stability was investigated. Results showed that PPI and BCNFs self-assembled into stable complexes through electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding, thereby improving the emulsification properties of PPI. Subsequently, SA was added to the outer aqueous phase of emulsions, and its influence on emulsion properties and stabilization mechanism was investigated. SA significantly improved the stability and rheological properties of PPI-BCNFs-stabilized W/O/W emulsions. Finally, the loading capacity of this system for riboflavin and curcumin and its gastrointestinal fate were evaluated. We found this delivery system efficiently co-delivered both hydrophilic and hydrophobic bioactive components and improved their photostability and thermal stability. Moreover, the bioaccessibilities of riboflavin and curcumin were significantly increased to 61.97% and 45.66%, respectively. This was attributed to SA forming a composite interfacial layer on droplets and a dense gel network in the continuous phase, thereby acting as a physical barrier to better protect the encapsulated components. This delivery system holds promise for the development of functional foods incorporating multiple nutraceuticals.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
·
2026
·
IF 5.1
Zongmei Huang,Cong-Ting Wu,Jing Li,Lu-Shuang Li
Illegal addition of curcumin (Cur) in food poses a significant public health threat, creating an urgent need for sensitive, reliable detection methods. In this work, dual-emission carbon dots (DCDs) were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method with Rose Bengal and melamine as raw materials. Based on the distinct fluorescence responses of DCDs to Cur at two characteristic wavelengths, a novel ratiometric fluorescence sensor for Cur detection was constructed. The emission at 432 nm is primarily governed by inner filter effect, while quenching at 532 nm is associated with the fluorescence resonance energy transfer. The sensor shows a robust linear range of 0.1–20 μM with a limit of detection of 0.089 μM. The sensor was successfully employed for the detection of Cur in various food samples, including chili, ginger, and mustard powder, achieving recovery rates between 92.75% and 110.00%. This work enriches CDs synthesis strategies and provides a sensitive, cost-effective, rapid method for Cur detection, supporting food industry monitoring needs.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
International Journal of Nanomedicine
·
2026
·
IF 8.7
Tao Chen,Xingyu Liu,Dandan Li,Zhichan Cheng,Xi Zheng,Zhijie Yu
Purpose Current antidepressants are limited by insufficient efficacy of conventional monoaminergic drugs and poor brain penetration across the blood-brain barrier. This study designed pure curcumin loaded lipid nanoparticle (CNP) with optimized brain-targeting delivery for depression therapy.Methods Cur molecules first self-assembled into carrier-free drug nanoparticles. Subsequently, CNP were then prepared via thin-film dispersion and fully characterized in terms of particle size, PDI, DSC, XRD, TEM. The antidepressant effect of CNP was systematically investigated via in vitro and in vivo assays, including cellular uptake, LPS-induced stress model in BV2 cells, and in vivo CUMS depression model.Results CNP displayed uniform spherical morphology with an average size of 115.8 ± 18.3 nm, PDI of 0.216 ± 0.015 and zeta potential of −27.1 mV, along with high encapsulation efficiency (86.11 ± 4.28%), drug loading (6.62 ± 0.45%) and sustained release behavior. The cellular uptake efficiency of the CNP group reached 41.47 ± 1.45%, which was more than double that of the Cur group (17.21 ± 0.54%). In vitro studies showed that CNP not only rescued the viability of cells damaged by corticosterone and hydrogen peroxide but also exerted significantly enhanced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in lipopolysaccharide induced cellular stress models. In vivo studies indicated that CNP alleviated depressive-like behaviors more effectively.Conclusion CNP exhibits significantly enhanced antidepressant efficacy, thus providing a promising approach for developing brain-targeted therapeutics for MDD.
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
·
2026
·
IF 13.2
Zhongwu Bei,Lin Ye,Shiyu Liang,Qi Tong,Xicheng Li,Jianan Li,Xiaorui Yu,Yujia Wei,Xuyue Liang,Tingyu Yang,Yun Yang,Longqian Liu,Zhiyong Qian
Corneal neovascularization (CoNV) is a major cause of visual impairment and presents significant challenges in corneal transplantation. Current treatments are limited by side effects, poor bioavailability, and the need for frequent administration. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-angiogenic properties, shows promise for CoNV therapy but suffers from low water solubility and rapid clearance. To address these limitations, we developed an injectable self-healing hydrogel incorporating curcumin-copper nanoparticles (CurNPs) within a thiolated alginate (SH-Alg) and oxidized dextran (ODex) matrix. This hydrogel provides localized and sustained drug release, enhancing curcumin bioavailability while minimizing systemic exposure. Its self-healing property ensures mechanical stability and consistent therapeutic delivery. In an alkali burn-induced rat model of CoNV, the OS/CurNPs (ODex/SH-Alg/CurNPs) hydrogel significantly reduced oxidative stress and inhibited corneal neovascularization, demonstrating superior antioxidant and anti-angiogenic efficacy. These results highlight the potential of this hydrogel system as a minimally invasive strategy for treating CoNV and other oxidative stress–related corneal disorders.
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
·
2026
·Vol. 46
·期 6
·e70696
·
IF 6.2
Ling Liu,Jintao Zheng,Ye Wang,Chenao Yang,Yuqiang Shan,Changku Jia
Background & Aims Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a key pathological process in the development of chronic liver disease, and the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is its core driving factor. Although curcumin, as a natural polyphenolic compound, has therapeutic potential, its specific mechanism in HF is still unclear. Methods This study used the CCl4-induced mouse HF model and explored its mechanism through single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) combined with in vitro and in vivo experimental systems. Results The results showed that curcumin attenuated liver injury and fibrosis levels in mice with HF in a dose-dependent way, alleviated liver pathological damage, improved liver function indicators, and inhibited the release of inflammatory factors. ScRNA-seq analysis revealed a significant reduction in the number of activated HSCs after curcumin treatment, and the key gene Crispld2 was identified through perturbation model prediction and pseudo-temporal analysis. Curcumin significantly downregulated the expression of Crispld2 and inhibited the activation of the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. In the TGF—β—induced LX-2 cell activation model, curcumin inhibited HSC proliferation, promoted apoptosis, reduced fibrosis-related protein expression, and decreased inflammatory cytokine secretion by regulating Crispld2. Overexpression of Crispld2 reversed the anti-fibrotic effect of curcumin, while the PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor LY294002 restored its therapeutic effect. Animal experiments further confirmed that curcumin improved HF by regulating the Crispld2/PI3K/AKT axis. Conclusions This study elucidates the molecular mechanism by which curcumin exerts anti-HF effects by inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway mediated by Crispld2, providing a new strategy for targeted therapy of Crispld2. Lay Summary This study investigated the ameliorative effects of curcumin, a natural compound, on hepatic injury and fibrosis in mouse models of liver fibrosis. The underlying mechanism involves the suppression of the key gene Crispld2, which subsequently blocks the aberrant activation of the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway, thereby inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells and exerting hepatoprotective functions. These findings furnish novel scientific evidence supporting the therapeutic application of curcumin in patients with liver fibrosis and shed new light on the development of Crispld2-targeted pharmaceutical agents. Curcumin can alleviate liver injury and fibrosis in mice with hepatic fibrosis. The underlying mechanism is that curcumin blocks the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway by targeting and inhibiting Crispld2, thereby suppressing the activation of HSCs and ameliorating hepatic fibrosis.
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
·
2026
·
IF 7.8
Congshu Feng,Jiaxin Wu,Zilong Chen,Jinghang Li,Xinyang Deng,Wei Wang,Lesan Yan
Tumor cell survival and progression are critically dependent on intracellular redox homeostasis, with mitochondria playing a central role in maintaining this balance via antioxidant defenses. Consequently, therapeutic strategies that target mitochondrial function to disrupt this delicate balance are attracting increasing attention. Natural pro-oxidant drugs exhibit unique biological activities and relatively low systemic toxicity, demonstrating considerable promise compared to conventional chemotherapeutic agents. However, their clinical translation is impeded by poor solubility, rapid clearance, and limited tumor penetration. To overcome these limitations, this study designed a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive amphiphilic block prodrug copolymer (PCC), which was synthesized via polycondensation of a cinnamaldehyde (CA)-functionalized ROS-cleavable thioketal monomer (TCA) with curcumin (Cur) and mPEG. This design enables the codelivery of CA and Cur. The self-assembled PCC nanoparticles demonstrated favorable biocompatibility and high drug delivery efficiency. In vitro, PCC NPs were effectively internalized by 4T1 tumor cells, where they rapidly and continuously released CA and Cur upon intracellular ROS stimulation. The two agents acted synergistically to promote ROS generation, induce calcium ion overload, and reduce mitochondrial membrane potential. This process established a positive feedback loop that amplified oxidative stress, disrupted the redox homeostasis of tumor cells, and ultimately induced apoptosis. Compared with free CA and Cur, PCC exhibited significantly cytotoxicity against 4T1 cells with the half-inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 13.93 μM, which is markedly lower than the 21.66 μM for free Cur and 193.06 μM for free CA. In vivo experiments confirmed that PCC nanoparticles could accumulate at tumor sites via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, achieving a tumor inhibition rate of up to 86% and significantly suppressing tumor growth compared to other experimental groups. This work constructs an intelligent delivery platform based on a ROS-responsive drug delivery system, offering a promising strategy for the efficient delivery of natural antitumor drugs.
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
ACS Applied Polymer Materials
·
2026
·
IF 5.2
Jie Zhang,Xinru Wang,Jinyu Shan,Dong Yang,Guangming Tian,Yunzhi Dang,Jianhua Ma
Excessive exudate accumulation and bacterial infection form a vicious cycle that causes wound maceration and persistent inflammation, representing a critical clinical challenge in chronic wound care. Although conventional hydrophilic dressings absorb exudate, they fail to enable directional fluid removal and lack active regulation of the wound microenvironment, including antioxidation and long-term antibacterial activity. Herein, we report a multifunctional integrated strategy combining green chemistry and electrospinning to fabricate an asymmetrically wettable Janus nanofibrous dressing (CP/PCA) for efficient biofluid management and synergistic antibacterial/antioxidative therapy. Curcumin (Cur) was used as both a reducing and capping agent for the in situ green synthesis of curcumin-functionalized silver nanoparticles (CAgNPs), which suppressed AgNP aggregation and introduced antioxidative activity. A bilayer structure was then fabricated via sequential electrospinning: a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol/cellulose acetate (PEG/CA) layer as the “pumping layer” and a curcumin-functionalized silver nanoparticle-loaded hydrophobic poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) layer as the “barrier layer”. Owing to the strong wettability gradient between the two layers, the Janus dressing displayed outstanding unidirectional liquid transport (self-pumping), spontaneously draining excess exudate from the hydrophobic wound-contacting side to the hydrophilic layer, maintaining a suitable moist interface and preventing maceration. Released Ag+ and curcumin exhibited synergistic antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with inhibition zones of 2.2, 1.5, and 1.3 mm, respectively. The dressing also showed excellent reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging ability and favorable hemocompatibility (hemolysis rate <5%). Overall, this green-synthesized CAgNP-based Janus nanofibrous dressing integrates unidirectional exudate removal, long-term broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, and antioxidative protection, offering a promising synergistic strategy for infected wound healing.
✓ 已验证
DOI
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
·
2026
·Vol. 24
·期 1
·360
·
IF 15
Liao Tao,Wu Xiaomei,Wang Jinyu,Guo Yuhao,Wang Wang,Hu Weikang,Kuang Ying,Li Cao,Liu Jia
Diabetic wounds are a critical clinical challenge due to chronic inflammation, impaired tissue regeneration, and bacterial infection. The absence of multifunctional therapeutic systems that can address these pathological barriers simultaneously is a major obstacle in managing diabetic wounds. In this study, we developed a versatile photothermal-responsive hydrogel (HPCT) by incorporating Ti 3 C 2 MXene nanosheets and Cur-Cu nanoparticles (NPs) into a dual-network polymer matrix. This hydrogel exhibits robust physicochemical stability, efficient photothermal conversion, and on-demand release properties. Due to the synergistic effects of its components, HPCT effectively scavenges ROS/RNS, reprograms macrophages, and promotes fibroblast and endothelial proliferation and migration. Additionally, it exhibits potent antibacterial activity. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that the bioactive material activates the PI3K-AKT and Wnt signaling pathways, providing a mechanistic basis for its regenerative potential. In vivo, HPCT significantly accelerates wound closure in diabetic mice by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, enhancing angiogenesis, and improving collagen deposition while maintaining good biocompatibility. Overall, this multifunctional hydrogel is a promising therapeutic strategy for treating diabetic and other chronic wounds.
Section
Graphical
The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
危险品化学品经营许可证（带存储）