Curcumin loaded PLGA–poloxamer blend nanoparticles induce cell cycle arrest in mesothelioma cells

[Display omitted] •CURC loaded NPs made up of a blend of PLGA and poloxamers were produced.•The novel formulation provides NPs with an enhanced dimensional stability.•PLGA/poloxamer NPs enhance CURC bioactivity.•CURC loaded NPs are able to block cell cycle in mesothelioma cells. The pharmacological potential of curcumin (CURC) is severely restricted because of its low water solubility/absorption, short half-life and poor bioavailability. To overcome these issues, CURC-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) were produced by a double emulsion technique. In particular, NPs were made up of an amphiphilic blend of poloxamers and PLGA to confer stealth properties to the NPs to take advantage of the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Different surface properties of NPs made up of bare PLGA and PLGA/poloxamer blend were confirmed by the different interactions of these NPs with serum proteins and also by their ability to be internalized by mesothelioma cell line. The uptake of PLGA/poloxamer NPs induces a persistent block in G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle up to 72h, thus overcoming the drug tolerance phenomenon, normally evidenced with free CURC.