Anti-Cancer Activity of Curcumin Loaded CMC Hydrogel Combined with Near Infrared Radiation on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

Authors

  • Nurfarrahhin Roslee Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Johor, Malaysia.
  • Wan Jun Ong Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
  • Khairunadwa Jemon Cancer and Infectious Diseases Group, Health and Wellness Research Alliance, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Johor, Malaysia.
  • Wan Fatin Amira Wan Mohd Zawawi Cancer and Infectious Diseases Group, Health and Wellness Research Alliance, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Johor, Malaysia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11113/jomalisc.v4.100

Keywords:

curcumin, anticancer, hydrogel, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), near infrared radiation (NIR)

Abstract

Curcumin, a bioactive compound derived from Curcuma longa, has demonstrated anti-cancer properties against various cancers, including breast cancer. However, its clinical potential is often limited by poor bioavailability and rapid degradation. To address these challenges, it necessitated a hydrophilic system such as hydrogel to enhance its efficiency. Hydrogel drug delivery systems derived from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) are gaining attention due to their affordability, water solubility, and capacity for controlled drug release. Additionally, near infrared radiation (NIR) has emerged as a non-invasive strategy to enhance drug delivery efficacy through localized hyperthermia. In this study, CMC hydrogel was synthesized from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) and characterized using FT-IR, XRD, and SEM to analyze chemical modifications. Curcumin was incorporated into the hydrogel matrix via physical adsorption, with optimal curcumin concentration determined through drug release kinetics. The anti-cancer activity of the Cur-loaded CMC hydrogel was then evaluated against MCF-7 breast cancer cells using MTT assay, both as standalone treatment and in combination with near infrared radiation. Results demonstrated that Cur-CMC hydrogel effectively enhanced curcumin delivery to target cells, evidenced by a significant reduction in cell viability as compared to free curcumin. While the addition of NIR did not lead to a marked increase in cytotoxicity, it represents a feasible approach for future exploration in enhancing localized treatment strategies.

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Published

2025-11-30

How to Cite

Roslee, N., Ong, W. J., Jemon, K., & Wan Mohd Zawawi, W. F. A. (2025). Anti-Cancer Activity of Curcumin Loaded CMC Hydrogel Combined with Near Infrared Radiation on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells. Journal of Materials in Life Sciences , 4(2), 31–39. https://doi.org/10.11113/jomalisc.v4.100

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