Hemocompatible curcumin–dextran micelles as pH sensitive pro-drugs for enhanced therapeutic efficacy in cancer cells

Curcumin, a component in spice turmeric, is renowned to possess anti-cancer therapeutic potential. However, low aqueous solubility and instability of curcumin which subsequently affects its bioavailability pose as major impediments in its translation to clinical application. In this regard, we focused on conjugating hydrophobic curcumin to the hydrophilic backbone of dextran via succinic acid spacer to design a pro-drug. The structural...