Inclusion Complex of Novel Curcumin Analogue CDF and β-Cyclodextrin (1:2) and Its Enhanced In Vivo Anticancer Activity Against Pancreatic Cancer

Several formulations have been proposed to improve the systemic delivery of novel cancer therapeutic compounds, including cyclodextrin derivatives. We aimed to synthesize and characterize of CDF-beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex (1:2) (CDFCD). The compound was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffraction studies, H1 & C13 NMR studies and scanning electron microscopic analysis. Its activity was tested against multiple cancer cell lines, and in vivo bioavailability was checked. CDF-beta-cyclodextrin was found to lower IC50 value by half when tested against multiple cancer cell lines. It preferentially accumulated in the pancreas, where levels of CDF-beta-cyclodextrin in mice were 10 times higher than in serum, following intravenous administration of an aqueous CDF-beta-cyclodextrin preparation. Novel curcumin analog CDF preferentially accumulates in the pancreas, leading to its potent anticancer activity against pancreatic cancer cells. Synthesis of such CDF-beta-cyclodextrin self-assembly is an effective strategy to enhance its bioavailability and tissue distribution, warranting further evaluation for CDF delivery in clinical settings for treatment of human malignancies.