Pyromellitic Dianhydride Crosslinked Cyclodextrin Nanosponges for Curcumin Controlled Release; Formulation, Physicochemical Characterization and Cytotoxicity Investigations.

In this study, a nanosponge structure was synthesized with capability of encapsulating curcumin as a model polyphenolic compound and one of the herbal remedies that has widely been considered due to its ability to treat cancer. FTIR, DSC and XRD techniques were performed to confirm the formation of the inclusion complex of the nanosponge-drug. DSC and XRD patterns showed an increasing stability and a decreasing crystallinity of curcumin after formation of inclusion complex. Encapsulation efficiency was 98% (w/w) and a significant increase was observed in loading capacity (184% w/w). The results of cytotoxicity assessments demonstrated no cell toxicity on the healthy cell line, while being toxic against cancer cells. Hemolysis test was performed to evaluate the blood-compatibility characteristic of nanosponge and complex and the results showed 0.54% hemolysis in the lowest complex concentration (50μgml) and 5.09% at the highest concentration (200μgml). : Thus, the introduced system could be widely considered in cancer treatment as a drug delivery system.