Molecular Interactions Between Curcumin and Model Cell Membranes

This project aims to investigate, at the molecular level, how curcumin interacts with model biological membranes and supramolecular systems. Curcumin is a natural phenolic compound extracted from the plant Curcuma longa, widely studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, and other pharmacological properties. Despite its great therapeutic potential, curcumin's clinical application is limited by its low bioavailability, due to poor intestinal absorption, rapid hepatic metabolism, and low water solubility. To overcome these limitations, various strategies such as the use of liposomes, nanoparticles, and micelles have been explored. However, the effectiveness of these approaches depends on a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which curcumin interacts with cellular membranes. This project proposes to study these interactions using membrane-mimetic models composed of lipids, such as DMPC, a type of phosphatidylcholine widely used in molecular interaction studies, to represent different compositions of cellular and organelle membranes. Additionally, interactions with self-assembled systems such as amyloid fibers and biomolecular condensates formed by proteins like α-synuclein will be evaluated. To achieve this, physicochemical techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fluorescence spectroscopy, electron spin resonance, and optical microscopy with fluorescent probes will be employed. The results obtained will contribute to a better understanding of the molecular interactions between curcumin and biomembranes, providing valuable insights for the development of more effective and stable pharmaceutical formulations