Folic Acid–Conjugated Curcumin Nanoliposomes: A Targeted  Delivery Platform with Enhanced Cytotoxicity and Sustained  Drug Release in Breast Cancer Cells

Mohammad Kazem Molavi Rahbar; Mahsa Abassi; Forough Motavaf; Soatmurod Boyqobilov; Rozali Meliboev; Gulchekhra Sadikova; Malika Mamatova; Dilbar Islamova; Nadira Sabirova; Zilola Keldiyorova; Mohammadreza Allahyartorkaman

doi:10.31557/apjcc.2026.11.2.243-250

Authors

Mohammad Kazem Molavi Rahbar Medical Laboratory Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Mahsa Abassi Department of Microbiology, ZA.C., Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran.
Forough Motavaf Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
Soatmurod Boyqobilov Lecturer, Department of Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Termez University of Economics and Services, Termez, Surxondaryo, Republic of Uzbekistan.
Rozali Meliboev Assistant of the Department of Hospital and faculty surgery, Fergana medical institute of Public health, Fergana, Republic of Uzbekistan.
Gulchekhra Sadikova Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy Management and Economics, Pharmaceutical Institute of Education and Research, Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan.
Malika Mamatova PhD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology No. 1, Andijan State Medical Institute, Andijan, Uzbekistan.
Dilbar Islamova Assistant of the Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Samarkand State Medical University, Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan.
Nadira Sabirova Lecturer at the Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technologies, Urgench State University named after Abu Rayhon Biruni, Urganch, Khorezm, Republic of Uzbekistan.
Zilola Keldiyorova PhD, Associate Professor of the Department of “Epidemiology, Dermatovenerology and Pediatric Dermatovenerology”, Bukhara State Medical Institute, Bukhara, Republic of Uzbekistan.
Mohammadreza Allahyartorkaman Department of Life Science, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31557/apjcc.2026.11.2.243-250

Keywords:

Keywords: folic acid–conjugated nanoliposomes; curcumin; drug release; targeted drug delivery

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent and fatal malignancies among women, emphasizing the need for safer and more effective therapeutic approaches. Curcumin is a multifunctional natural compound with proven anticancer activity; however, its low solubility and rapid systemic elimination restrict its clinical application. In this study, folic acid–linked PEGylated nanoliposomes (FA-Lipo-Cur) were developed to enhance curcumin delivery and cellular uptake in folate receptor–overexpressing MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.

Materials and Methods: Curcumin-loaded, folate-conjugated nanoliposomes were fabricated via the thin-film hydration method followed by post-insertion of DSPE-PEG (3350)-FA. The formulations were characterized for particle size, ζ-potential, polydispersity index (PDI), morphology (SEM/TEM), encapsulation efficiency (EE%), and in-vitro drug release kinetics. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay after 48 h exposure to FA-Lipo-Cur, non-targeted Lipo-Cur, and free curcumin.

Results: Both formulations produced spherical vesicles with uniform morphology and high encapsulation efficiency (>75%). The mean particle size of FA-Lipo-Cur was 250 ± 7.7 nm, with a ζ-potential of −25.1 ± 2.1 mV and PDI of 0.16 ± 0.02, indicating excellent colloidal stability and homogeneity. In-vitro release studies demonstrated sustained curcumin release over 48 h, with a slower release rate for FA-Lipo-Cur compared to Lipo-Cur, attributed to steric stabilization by the PEG–folate corona. In cytotoxicity assays, FA-Lipo-Cur exhibited the lowest IC₅₀ (33 ± 3.3 µg/mL) compared with Lipo-Cur (45 ± 3.9 µg/mL) and free curcumin (55 ± 4.1 µg/mL) (p < 0.05). When folate receptors were pre-saturated with free folic acid, the IC₅₀ of FA-Lipo-Cur increased to 47.5 ± 3.2 µg/mL, confirming that enhanced cytotoxicity arose primarily from receptor-specific targeting rather than non-specific uptake.

Conclusion: The FA-Lipo-Cur system therefore represents a promising, biocompatible nanocarrier platform for targeted breast cancer therapy, warranting further pharmacokinetic and in-vivo tumor model evaluation.