Encapsulation of Curcumin in Polystyrene-Based Nanoparticles: Drug Loading Capacity and Cytotoxicity

The study investigated the encapsulation of curcumin in polystyrene-based nanoparticles (PS–PAA NPs), focusing on drug loading capacity and cytotoxicity. The nanoparticles achieved a drug loading capacity of up to 11 wt % and showed minimal impact on particle size. Cytotoxicity tests indicated that curcumin-loaded nanoparticles were less toxic to healthy cells compared to free curcumin, suggesting a safer therapeutic application. The research concluded that encapsulating curcumin during nanoparticle formation was more effective than post-formation, supporting the potential of PS–PAA NPs as a promising drug delivery system for curcumin.