Curcumin-conjugated Nanoparticles: An Approach to Target Mitochondria

Background: Unconjugated nanoparticles used in the treatment of cancer and various metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders exhibit extended blood circulation time, inhibition of enzymatic degradation, and increased chemical stability of the encapsulated therapeutic molecules. However, the unconjugated nanoparticles often show off-target effects and lack of specificity, which limit their applications in the healthcare system. Objective: Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound known for its proficiency to scavenge reactive oxygen species attributed to antioxidant activity and anticancer effects associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, is one of the most effective therapeutic agents. Therefore, with respect to chemotherapeutic strategies, the development of mitochondrial targeting curcumin nanoparticles for target-specific drug delivery has been extensively studied. Conclusion: The present review has focused on diverse curcumin-loaded nanoparticles targeting mitochondria along with their improved delivery potential, enhanced localization and biodistribution profile.