curcumin-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles

Curcumin-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles (Cur-FeONPs) are an experimental nanomedicine platform consisting of a magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) core surface-modified with curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound derived from turmeric. In this system, curcumin serves a dual role as both a therapeutic agent—providing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties—and a stabilizing or capping agent for the nanoparticles. The iron oxide core provides superparamagnetic properties, enabling the particles to be used for magnetic targeting, as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and for magnetic hyperthermia therapy. This nanoparticle formulation is specifically designed to overcome the inherent limitations of curcumin, such as its poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, and rapid metabolism, by enhancing its delivery to target tissues like tumor sites. Research has primarily focused on its application in various cancers, including melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and cervical cancer.

Other names

Curcumin-coated iron oxide nanoparticlesCurcumin-conjugated magnetic iron oxide nanoparticlesCurcumin-Fe3O4 nanoparticlesCurcumin-Fe-3O4 nanoparticlesCurcumin-Fe 3O4 nanoparticlesCurcumin-functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles