Exploration of the photothermal role of curcumin-loaded targeted carbon nanotubes as a potential therapy for melanoma cancer

Sep 21, 2026

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Hydrophilic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were engineered by synthesizing polycitric acid (PCA) and attaching folic acid (FA) to form MWCNT–PCA–FA, then used as a carrier for curcumin (Cur). Structural and loading characteristics were evaluated using TGA, TEM, and UV–visible spectrophotometry. Cancer-cell death mechanisms were assessed via MTT, colony formation, cell-cycle analysis by flow cytometry, and apoptosis assays, followed by antitumor efficacy testing under laser exposure. Results showed strong melanoma-selective toxicity in B16F10 cells with minimal effects on NHDF normal cells, with MWCNT–PCA–FA/Cur outperforming free Cur. Laser-assisted photothermal treatment produced the highest mortality, supporting this multifunctional nanoplatform for combination cancer therapy.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Nanocomplex design and characterization

In vitro cancer cell assays

MTT, colony formation, cell cycle, apoptosis

Photothermal antitumor efficacy

Discussion of therapeutic potential

[www. nature.com/scientificreports](www. nature.com/scientificreports) OPEN Exploration of the photothermal role of curcumin‑loaded targeted carbon nanotubes as a potential therapy for melanoma cancer Bahareh Kargar1, Mehdi Fazeli2*, Zahra Sobhani3*, Saeid Hosseinzadeh4, Aida Solhjoo3 & Amin Reza Akbarizadeh3 In this research, the hydrophilic structure of multi‑walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was modified by synthesizing polycitric acid (PCA) and attaching folic acid (FA) to create MWCNT–PCA–FA. This modified nanocomplex was utilized as a carrier for the lipophilic compound curcumin (Cur) . Characterization techniques including TGA, TEM, and UV–visible spectrophotometry were used to analyze the nanocomplex. The mechanism of cancer cell death induced by MWCNT–PCA–FA was studied extensively using the MTT assay, colony formation analysis, cell cycle assessment via flow cytometry, and apoptosis studies. Furthermore, we assessed the antitumor efficacy of these targeted nanocomplexes following exposure to laser radiation. The results showed that the nanocompositesand free Cur had significant toxicity on melanoma cancer cells (B16F10 cells) while having minimal impact on normal cells (NHDF cells). This selectivity for cancerous cells demonstrates the potential of these compounds as therapeutic agents. Furthermore, MWCNT–PCA–FA/Cur showed superior cytotoxicity compared to free Cur alone. Colony formation studies confirmed these results. The researchers found that MWCNT–FA–PCA/Cur effectively induced programmed cell death. In photothermal analysis, MWCNT–PCA–FA/Cur combined with laser treatment achieved the highest mortality rate. These promising results suggest that this multifunctional therapeutic nanoplatform holds the potential for combination cancer therapies that utilize various established therapeutic methods. Keywords Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), Curcumin, Drug delivery, Photothermal therapy, Cancer treatment Natural substances have gained attention as potential components of cancer treatment due to their anti-cancer properties and other favorable characteristics, such as low toxicity, minimal side effects, and structural similarities to synthetic medicines1. One such substance is Cur, obtained by extracting a hydrophobic polyphenol compound from the rhizome of Curcuma longa L. Cur has demonstrated promising anti-tumor properties against various cancers, including breast, colon, skin, pancreatic, and prostate cancer. Additionally, it exhibits anti-proliferative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and apoptotic activities2. However, Curcumin’s low aqueous solubility, stemming from its hydrophobic nature, and its biological instability during metabolism in the human body limit its potential to reach therapeutic concentrations for effective anticancer outcomes3. To address these challenges, researchers have made significant strides in developing advanced formulations, primarily nanoformulations, asa primary strategy. A proposed mechanism by which Cur induces apoptosis in skin cancer involves the activation of caspases 3 and 83. Furthermore, Cur has demonstrated its ability to inhibit melanoma cell migration and enhance apoptosis by down-regulating the JAK-2/STAT3 signaling pathways4. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that the use of nanocarrier systems to deliver Cur enhances its anti-proliferative properties and leads to regression in tumor growth compared to raw Cur5. Combining Curloaded nanoparticles with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs has shown improved treatment outcomes, 1Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran. 2Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran. 3Department of Drug and Food Control, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. 4Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.*[email: m

FAQs

How were the targeted carbon nanotubes prepared for curcumin delivery?

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes were modified by synthesizing polycitric acid (PCA) and attaching folic acid (FA) to create MWCNT–PCA–FA, which then served as a carrier for curcumin (Cur).

Which methods were used to characterize and evaluate the nanocomplex?

TGA, TEM, and UV–visible spectrophotometry were used to analyze the nanocomplex. Mechanistic and efficacy testing included MTT assay, colony formation, flow-cytometry cell-cycle assessment, and apoptosis studies.

What did the results show about selectivity and the effect of laser treatment?

MWCNT–PCA–FA/Cur and free Cur both showed significant toxicity to melanoma B16F10 cells while minimally impacting normal NHDF cells. MWCNT–PCA–FA/Cur produced superior cytotoxicity, and laser irradiation with the nanocomplex achieved the highest mortality rate.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Aurora