Antimicrobial Activity of Curcumin in Nanoformulations: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

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. To circumvent these drawbacks, drug delivery systems (DDSs) have been used. In this review, we summarize the DDSs used to carry CUR and their antimicrobial effect against viruses, bacteria, and fungi, including drug-resistant strains and emergent pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. The reviewed DDSs include colloidal (micelles, liposomes, nanoemulsions, cyclodextrins, chitosan, and other polymeric nanoparticles), metallic, and mesoporous particles, as well as graphene, quantum dots, and hybrid nanosystems such as films and hydrogels. Free (non-encapsulated) CUR and CUR loaded in DDSs have a broad-spectrum antimicrobial action when used alone or as a PS in aPDT. They also show low cytotoxicity, in vivo biocompatibility, and improved wound healing. Although there are several in vitro and some in vivo investigations describing the nanotechnological aspects and the potential antimicrobial application of CUR-loaded DDSs, clinical trials are not reported and further studies should translate this evidence to the clinical scenarios of infections.

Available and affordable complementary treatments for COVID‐19: From hypothesis to pilot studies and the need for implementation

“…160 mg of Nano‐curcumin was administered daily for 14 days 21 . To facilitate the application of curcumin and improve its stability and solubility, it was formulated with the aid of nanotechnology in Nano‐micelles that have interesting anti‐microbial properties 22 . All of the COVID‐19 subjects in both groups received Betaferon for 5 days, Bromhexine every 8 h, and Atrovastatin daily.…”

“…21 To facilitate the application of curcumin and improve its stability and solubility, it was formulated with the aid of nanotechnology in Nano-micelles that have interesting anti-microbial properties. 22 All of the COVID-19 subjects in both groups received Betaferon for 5 days, Bromhexine every 8 h, and Atrovastatin daily. An open, non-randomised clinical trial assessed the efficacy of Nano-curcumin in the management of 21 mild-to-moderate hospitalised COVID-19 patients.…”

Latest Innovations and Nanotechnologies with Curcumin as a Nature-Inspired Photosensitizer Applied in the Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer

“…Curcumin has been used as a PS in PDT and has been the subject of numerous studies, due to its valuable antiviral, antimicrobial, and especially antineoplastic effects in various forms of human cancer [190][191][192]. Kazantzis et al investigated the natural characteristics of bisdemethoxy curcumin regarding their efficacy together with PDT in vitro on prostate cancer cells.…”

A Systematic Review on Nanoencapsulation Natural Antimicrobials in Foods: In Vitro versus In Situ Evaluation, Mechanisms of Action and Implications on Physical-Chemical Quality

“…Furthermore, these antimicrobials can interact with food components such as proteins, fats, sugars, and salts, decreasing their antimicrobial activity, requiring large amounts to inhibit microbial growth, compromising the sensory properties of foods such as taste, color, and odor [ 5 ]. Moreover, solubility and instability in temperature, light, and pH can compromise natural antimicrobials’ action [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. To protect NA from these environmental conditions, its encapsulation has prospected in food preservation [ 4 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”