Comparison of In Vitro Photosensitizing Efficacy of Curcumin-Loaded Liposomes in Photodynamic Therapy on Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Normal Keratinocyte Cells

The study evaluated the efficacy of curcumin-loaded liposomes in photodynamic therapy (PDT) on melanoma (MUG-Mel2), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC-25), and normal keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. It demonstrated that liposomal curcumin significantly enhanced phototoxicity and apoptosis in cancer cells compared to free curcumin, with a 53% reduction in MUG-Mel2 and 58% in SCC-25 cell viability. The treatment also inhibited cancer cell migration, suggesting potential in preventing metastasis. Importantly, normal HaCaT cells maintained about 90% viability, indicating reduced toxicity. These findings suggested that liposomal curcumin could improve PDT effectiveness for skin cancers while minimizing harm to normal cells, warranting further in vivo testing.