Introduction. Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that develops in young children from immature nerve cells. Traditional treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, these treatments can cause significant side effects, especially in children, potentially affecting their development and long-term health. A novel approach of direct drug delivery to the tumor site has been proposed, using conductive polymer-based microspheres that carry the anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant agent curcumin.

Methodology. Conducting polymer microspheres (CPMSs) were formed by the chemical polymerization of hydroxymethyl-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene around polystyrene beads, with their further removal with the use of toluene. After incubation in a solution of curcumin, CPMSs were characterized by means of electron microscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. Curcumin release was monitored under both static (no stimulation) and electrically triggered conditions. The cytotoxic effect of CPMSs was tested against a neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell line.

Results. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the incorporation of curcumin within CPMSs, while release studies indicated a consistent, low-dose release of the drug, applicable to both electrically stimulated and spontaneous release scenarios. Cytotoxicity measurements proved the efficiency of curcumin-loaded CPMSs against a neuroblastoma cell line.

Conclusions. We showed that CPMSs possess the capacity to efficiently encapsulate and release curcumin, demonstrating suitable release kinetics. CPMSs proved to be effective in both spontaneous and electrically induced release scenarios. Future research will focus on assessing the biocompatibility of these carriers and evaluating their efficacy with various model drugs. The research suggests that CPMSs hold significant promise and practical utility as an innovative approach to anti-cancer treatment, especially for combating neuroblastoma.

Acknowledgements. The research was funded by the Silesian University of Technology as part of the 10th program financing project-oriented education – PBL (Excellence Initiative – Research University).