MNP-CUR

MNP-CUR is an experimental curcumin-loaded magnetic nanoparticle formulation developed through a collaboration between Sanford Research, the University of South Dakota, and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The formulation features a superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION) core coated with β-cyclodextrin and pluronic polymers (such as F68 or F127), which serves to encapsulate curcumin, a natural polyphenol with potent anti-cancer properties. This delivery system is designed to address the inherent limitations of free curcumin, including its poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, and rapid systemic clearance. MNP-CUR exerts its therapeutic effects by modulating key proteins involved in cell survival and proliferation; specifically, it suppresses the expression of Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL), and Induced myeloid leukemia cell differentiation protein Mcl-1. Preclinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth and improving survival in models of pancreatic cancer and triple-negative breast cancer, showing enhanced serum bioavailability and tumor accumulation compared to free curcumin.

Other names

curcumin-loaded magnetic nanoparticlesCur-MNPs