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Curcumin has been found to be a powerful anti-cancer agent. However, its efficacy is limited by its poor solubility in aqueous medium. The bioavailability of curcumin was increased by poly (lactic- co -glycolic) acid [PLGA (60/40)] nanoparticles with different capping agents such as Chitosan, Dextran and PEG and emulsifier (Tocopherol Poly (Ethylene Glycol)1000 Succinate: TPGS) with good drug loading and delivery performance. The preparation of nanoparticles derived from PLGA was achieved by emulsion solvent evaporation method and the resultant nanoparticles were characterized. The encapsulation efficiency of curcumin by PLGA NPs with different capping agents such as Chitosan, PEG and Dextran and emulsifier lies in the range of 82% to 89% and the anti-oxidant activity is 80%. The in vitro anticancer activity of PLGA nanoparticles embedded with curcumin and different capping agents on MCF-7 indicates that they are more effective in arresting cell growth. The cellular uptake of TPGS emulsified dextran capped curcumin encapsulated PLGA NPs is much higher when compared to that of PLGA NPs with other capping agents, emulsifier and free curcumin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The demand for nanoparticles is increasing day by day due to their wide range of applications in various areas including pharmaceutical industry. Nanoparticles are formally synthesized by chemical methods in which the toxic and flammable chemicals are used. Methods: This article reports about an effective, rapid and eco-friendly technique for the fabrication of gold nanoparticles from gold chloride solution using Azima tetracantha Lam. leaves extract. The effects of the leaves extract of Azima tetracantha, the concentration of Gold chloride solution, the time of the reaction and the effect of tem?perature on the rate of the reaction were investigated. The synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were characterized by using various techniques such as Dynamic Light Spectroscopy (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis spectra gave surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at 540 nm, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). This revealed the reduction of gold ions (Au+) to gold metal (Au0) which indicated the formation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Results: The antimicrobial action of biosynthesized AuNPs indicated effective activity against bacterial pathogens Aeromonas liquefaciens, Enterococcus fecalis, Micrococcus luteus, Salmonella typhimurium and fungal pathogens Candida albicans, Cryptococcus sp, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton rubrum. Conclusion: This revealed that gold nanoparticles could provide a safer alternative to conventional antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]