Photo-responsive polymeric micelles for the light-triggered release of curcumin targeting antimicrobial activity.

Nanocarriers have been successfully used to solubilize, deliver, and increase the bioavailability of curcumin (CUR), but slow CUR release rates hinder its use as a topical photosensitizer in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. A photo-responsive polymer (PRP) was designed for the light-triggered release of CUR with an effective light activation-dependent antimicrobial response. The characterization of the PRP was compared with non-responsive micelles comprising Pluronics™ P123 and F127.

Antimicrobial Activity of Curcumin in Nanoformulations: A Comprehensive Review.

Curcumin (CUR) is a natural substance extracted from turmeric that has antimicrobial properties. Due to its ability to absorb light in the blue spectrum, CUR is also used as a photosensitizer (PS) in antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT). However, CUR is hydrophobic, unstable in solutions, and has low bioavailability, which hinders its clinical use.

Effect of Chloroaluminium phthalocyanine in cationic nanoemulsion on photoinactivation of multispecies biofilm.

Background: Photosensitizers in nanocarriers have been investigated for antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT). However, most studies are focused against microorganisms in planktonic or monospecies biofilm. Thus, this in vitro study evaluated the effect of aPDT using Chloroaluminium phthalocyanine (ClAlPc) in cationic nanoemulsion (NE) against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Streptococcus mutans grown as multispecies biofilm.

Encapsulation of curcumin in polymeric nanoparticles for antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy.

Curcumin (CUR) has been used as photosensitizer in antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT). However its poor water solubility, instability, and scarce bioavalibility hinder its in vivo application. The aim of this study was to synthesize curcumin in polymeric nanoparticles (NP) and to evaluate their antimicrobial photodynamic effect and cytoxicity.