Introduction

Nanotechnology can provide innovative solutions for the encapsulation of anticancer hydrophobic drugs. Aggregation-induced emission molecules are a newly discovered class of substances that present an enhancement in their emission upon aggregation. Polymeric micelles encapsulating molecules that have both AIE and anticancer properties can be utilized for applications in nanomedicine, such as image-guided drug delivery and surgery.

Methods

In this research, three different amphiphilic random copolymers of poly(oligoethylene glycol methylether methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate), P(OEGMA-co-MMA) were used for the formulation of nanomicelles encapsulating curcumin and quercetin in different concentrations. Nanosystems’ physicochemical and photophysical properties were studied via Electrophoretic Light Scattering (ELS), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Fluorescence (FS), and UV–Vis Absorption Spectroscopy (UV–Vis).

Results

DLS experiments revealed the formulation of loaded nanomicelles with hydrodynamic radii below 113 nm for curcumin and 241 nm for quercetin. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed the encapsulation of curcumin and quercetin inside the nanocarriers. Curcumin was loaded in nanomicelles at a concentration of 10 wt%, while 5 wt% was achieved for quercetin. Fluorescence experiments proved the presence of the AIE phenomenon for both molecules. FBS assay results revealed no interaction between the nanomicelles and serum proteins. Nanoparticles remained stable for 21 days.

Conclusions

A successful formulation of curcumin and quercetin nanocarriers presenting the AIE phenomenon is reported. As FBS assay experiments revealed promising results, further biocompatibility tests can be carried out in order to utilize such formulations in nanomedicine.