Polymeric scaffold integrated with nanovesicle-entrapped curcuminoids for enhanced therapeutic efficacy

<b>Aim:</b> Polymeric scaffolds were developed fortified with nanovesicle-encapsulated individual curcumin (CUR) and tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) for improved therapeutic efficacy due to their low stability and efficacy in native form. <b>Method:</b> Nanovesicle-encapsulated individual CUR and THC were fabricated using thin-film hydration techniques and characterized. <b>Results &amp; conclusion:</b> CUR/THC in native and vesicle-encapsulated form demonstrated diminished LPS-instigate nitric oxide (NO) levels in macrophage cells in a concentration-dependent demeanor. However, vesicle-encapsulated CUR/THC inhibited NO production at lower concentrations, compared with the native CUR/THC form. Furthermore, the scaffold fortified with vesicle-encapsulated CUR/THC demonstrated improved physical properties with excellent antioxidant, biocompatibility, and human keratinocyte cell proliferation ability. The results recommended that nanovesicle-encapsulated THC can be retained as a potential substitute for CUR with improved therapeutic efficacy. Entrapment of curcumin (CUR) and its derivative and tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) within lipid vesicles improved their stability. Entrapment of CUR and THC within lipid vesicles improved cellular compatibility. Entrapment of CUR and THC within lipid vesicles improved intracellular cellular intake. Entrapment of CUR and THC within lipid vesicles attenuated the LPS-induced inflammations. Fortifying lipid-entrapped CUR and THC within polymeric composite improved the therapeutic efficacy and stability. Cellular uptake of lipid-entrapped THC was higher than lipid-entrapped CUR. Fortifying the vesicle-entrapped CUR and THC within polymeric scaffold ameliorated skin keratinocyte migration.