Self-organized thermo-responsive hydroxypropyl cellulose nanoparticles for curcumin delivery

A tunable temperature-responsive nanoparticulate system based on the ionic modifications of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) was obtained. Two derivatives of HPC were successfully obtained and characterized: cationic (modified with trimethylammonium groups) and anionic (modified with styrenesulfonate groups). Due to the polycation-polyanion interactions they spontaneously self-assemble into nanoparticles in water. The size and surface charge of the nanoparticles can be controlled by the polycation/polyanion ratio. The resulting structures are spherical with diameters in the range from 150 to 250 nm, as confirmed by AFM, SEM, and DLS measurements. The size of the nanospheres increases in elevated temperatures. A model compound, curcumin, known for its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, was effectively entrapped inside nanospheres. Its release profile was found to be temperature-dependent.