Dextran based nanosized carrier for the controlled and targeted delivery of curcumin to liver cancer cells

Curcumin (Cur), a poly phenolic yellow colored compound present in Indian spice turmeric, has a wide variety of biological properties. Bioavailability of Cur is limited by its low water solubility, rapid metabolism and low stability. In the present study, we mainly focus on synthesis and characterization of dextran based nano-sized drug carrier (GHDx) for the delivery of Cur. A liver targeting moiety is incorporated in GHDx so as to improve the therapeutic efficiency and decrease adverse effects of conventional cancer therapy. The effect of different parameters on grafting variables was studied. GHDx was characterised by FTIR, 1H NMR XRD, TG/DTG, TEM, SEM, AFM, DLS and zeta potential analyses. Adsorption experiments were carried out for drug loading. Swelling of GHDx was studied as a function of pH and temperature. Three step release of Cur from GHDx was confirmed by analyzing in vitro release data in simulated intracellular pH using different kinetic models. In vitro cytotoxicity analysis on L929 and Hep G2 cells shows that GHDx is safe carrier while Cur loaded GHDx exhibits high toxicity with slow drug release towards hepatic cells. The results show that the GHDx can be customized as a stimuli sensitive potential carrier for the delivery of drugs.