Curcumin-loaded PEG-coated Magnetite Nanoparticles Synthesized from Theobroma cocoa: Neuronal Biocompatibility and Anti-inflammatory Properties in SH-SY5Y and RAW 264.7 Cells

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) encompass numerous disorders affecting the nervous system’s structure and functions, primarily caused by protein aggregation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. These factors make a significant contribution to the progression of various NDDs. Curcumin (CUR), a natural bioactive compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has limited application because of its hydrophobicity. To address this issue, PEGylated coated magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) were developed as efficient nanocarriers. These MNPs were synthesized using plant polyphenols from cocoa bean (Theobroma cacao) shell extract, coated with PEG, and then loaded with CUR at various concentrations. The nanomaterials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential (ZP), FTIR, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The nanoparticles were found to be spherical, with diameters in the range of 10–19 nm. VSM analysis showed that the MNPs exhibited superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature. In vitro studies using ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry revealed rapid CUR drug loading within 3 h and total drug release of 57% over 48 h, indicating the potential of the MNPs as a neuroprotective agent. The cell viability associated with exposure to the nanoformulations was also assessed in human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) using the MTT assay. In addition, the safety and anti-inflammatory properties of PEGylated MNPs–CUR were evaluated in LPS-induced murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). Cells exposed to the nanoparticles exhibited high viability, indicating their safety for human neuroblastoma cells, and the nanoparticles effectively reduced nitric oxide production in murine macrophages. These findings suggest that PEGylated MNPs–CUR possess significant potential as neuroprotective agents for brain-related diseases, given their biosafety and anti-inflammatory properties.