Curcumin-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles: A Promising Antimicrobial Strategy Against <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> in Endodontic Infections
<b>Background/Objectives:</b> This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin (CUR), a natural polyphenol with potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, when formulated as solid lipid nanoparticles (CUR-loaded SLN) against <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i>. <b...
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MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/17/1/108 |
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| author | Sónia Ferreira Liliana Grenho Maria Helena Fernandes Sofia A. Costa Lima |
| author_facet | Sónia Ferreira Liliana Grenho Maria Helena Fernandes Sofia A. Costa Lima |
| author_sort | Sónia Ferreira |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | <b>Background/Objectives:</b> This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin (CUR), a natural polyphenol with potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, when formulated as solid lipid nanoparticles (CUR-loaded SLN) against <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i>. <b>Methods:</b> Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were prepared as a carrier for CUR, which significantly improved its solubility. SLNs made with cetyl palmitate and Tween 80 were obtained via the hot ultrasonication method. The physicochemical properties of CUR-loaded SLNs were evaluated, including their size, stability, and release profile. Antimicrobial testing was conducted against both sessile and planktonic <i>E. faecalis</i> populations. Cytotoxicity was assessed on human gingival fibroblasts. <b>Results:</b> The CUR-loaded SLNs exhibited about 200 nm and a −25 mV surface potential, and the encapsulation of CUR did not affect the physicochemical properties of SLNs. CURs were released from SLNs in a controlled and sustained manner over 100 h. The nanoparticles remained stable for at least two months when stored at 4 °C or 25 °C, making them suitable for clinical use. Antioxidant activity was confirmed through DPPH and ABTS assays. Free CUR significantly reduced the planktonic <i>E. faecalis</i> CFU counts by approximately 65% after 24 h of exposure. However, this inhibitory effect diminished with longer exposure times (48 and 72 h). Antimicrobial activity studies of CUR-loaded SLNs showed dose- and time-dependent effects, in the 2.5–10 µg/mL range, against both sessile and planktonic <i>E. faecalis</i> populations, over 24 to 72 h. The CUR-loaded SLNs showed good cytocompatibility with human fibroblasts up to 2.5 μg/mL, suggesting low toxicity. <b>Conclusions:</b> CUR-loaded SLNs demonstrate significant antimicrobial activity against <i>E. faecalis</i>, along with good cytocompatibility, indicating their potential as an effective adjunct therapy in endodontic treatments. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-00321088e311466595cd7d052dc3d3e1 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1999-4923 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Pharmaceutics |
| spelling | doaj-art-00321088e311466595cd7d052dc3d3e12025-01-24T13:45:59ZengMDPI AGPharmaceutics1999-49232025-01-0117110810.3390/pharmaceutics17010108Curcumin-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles: A Promising Antimicrobial Strategy Against <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> in Endodontic InfectionsSónia Ferreira0Liliana Grenho1Maria Helena Fernandes2Sofia A. Costa Lima3University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Cooperative CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, PortugalBoneLab—Laboratory for Bone Metabolism and Regeneration, Faculdade de Medicina Dentária, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Manuel Pereira da Silva, 4200-393 Porto, PortugalBoneLab—Laboratory for Bone Metabolism and Regeneration, Faculdade de Medicina Dentária, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Manuel Pereira da Silva, 4200-393 Porto, PortugalLaboratório Associado para a Química Verde-Rede de Química e Tecnologia (LAQV, REQUIMTE), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal<b>Background/Objectives:</b> This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin (CUR), a natural polyphenol with potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, when formulated as solid lipid nanoparticles (CUR-loaded SLN) against <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i>. <b>Methods:</b> Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were prepared as a carrier for CUR, which significantly improved its solubility. SLNs made with cetyl palmitate and Tween 80 were obtained via the hot ultrasonication method. The physicochemical properties of CUR-loaded SLNs were evaluated, including their size, stability, and release profile. Antimicrobial testing was conducted against both sessile and planktonic <i>E. faecalis</i> populations. Cytotoxicity was assessed on human gingival fibroblasts. <b>Results:</b> The CUR-loaded SLNs exhibited about 200 nm and a −25 mV surface potential, and the encapsulation of CUR did not affect the physicochemical properties of SLNs. CURs were released from SLNs in a controlled and sustained manner over 100 h. The nanoparticles remained stable for at least two months when stored at 4 °C or 25 °C, making them suitable for clinical use. Antioxidant activity was confirmed through DPPH and ABTS assays. Free CUR significantly reduced the planktonic <i>E. faecalis</i> CFU counts by approximately 65% after 24 h of exposure. However, this inhibitory effect diminished with longer exposure times (48 and 72 h). Antimicrobial activity studies of CUR-loaded SLNs showed dose- and time-dependent effects, in the 2.5–10 µg/mL range, against both sessile and planktonic <i>E. faecalis</i> populations, over 24 to 72 h. The CUR-loaded SLNs showed good cytocompatibility with human fibroblasts up to 2.5 μg/mL, suggesting low toxicity. <b>Conclusions:</b> CUR-loaded SLNs demonstrate significant antimicrobial activity against <i>E. faecalis</i>, along with good cytocompatibility, indicating their potential as an effective adjunct therapy in endodontic treatments.https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/17/1/108antibacterial activitycytocompatibilitycurcuminendodontic treatment<i>Enterococcus faecalis</i>lipid nanoparticles |
| spellingShingle | Sónia Ferreira Liliana Grenho Maria Helena Fernandes Sofia A. Costa Lima Curcumin-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles: A Promising Antimicrobial Strategy Against <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> in Endodontic Infections Pharmaceutics antibacterial activity cytocompatibility curcumin endodontic treatment <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> lipid nanoparticles |
| title | Curcumin-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles: A Promising Antimicrobial Strategy Against <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> in Endodontic Infections |
| title_full | Curcumin-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles: A Promising Antimicrobial Strategy Against <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> in Endodontic Infections |
| title_fullStr | Curcumin-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles: A Promising Antimicrobial Strategy Against <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> in Endodontic Infections |
| title_full_unstemmed | Curcumin-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles: A Promising Antimicrobial Strategy Against <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> in Endodontic Infections |
| title_short | Curcumin-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles: A Promising Antimicrobial Strategy Against <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> in Endodontic Infections |
| title_sort | curcumin loaded lipid nanoparticles a promising antimicrobial strategy against i enterococcus faecalis i in endodontic infections |
| topic | antibacterial activity cytocompatibility curcumin endodontic treatment <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> lipid nanoparticles |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/17/1/108 |
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