Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Curcumin-Loaded Nanoparticles for Targeted Therapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Abstract

The increasing global demand for sustainable and precision-driven medical solutions has accelerated interest in green nanotechnology, particularly for cancer therapy.Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly aggressive and treatment-resistant subtype, lacks targeted hormone receptors, limiting conventional therapeutic options and contributing to poor patient outcomes.In this context, curcumin-a bioactive polyphenolic compound derived from turmeric-has garnered attention for its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.However, curcumin's clinical application is hindered by its poor solubility, rapid metabolism, and low systemic bioavailability.Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems offer a promising strategy to overcome these limitations while enabling sitespecific action.This study presents an eco-friendly synthesis approach for curcumin-loaded nanoparticles, utilizing biodegradable polymers and plant-derived surfactants through solvent-free or aqueous-phase techniques.The synthesis method emphasizes environmental sustainability while maintaining structural integrity, stability, and high drug-loading efficiency.Physicochemical characterization via dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirms uniform particle morphology and effective encapsulation of curcumin.In vitro cytotoxicity assays and cellular uptake studies using TNBC cell lines demonstrate significant apoptosis induction and enhanced cellular internalization compared to free curcumin.Additionally, the nanoparticles exhibit pH-responsive release behavior, optimizing drug release in the acidic tumor microenvironment.These findings suggest that eco-friendly curcumin-loaded nanoparticles hold strong potential for targeted, lowtoxicity TNBC therapy.This research not only underscores the therapeutic advantages of curcumin when delivered via green-engineered nanocarriers but also aligns with the broader goal of developing sustainable biomedical innovations.Future work will explore in vivo efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and regulatory scalability for clinical translation.