# Curcumin-Loaded Lactoferrin/Pectin Core–Shell Structured Microgel Nanoparticles: Dual Regulatory Effects in Alleviating Inflammatory Bowel Disease

## TL;DR

This study creates curcumin-loaded nanoparticles that improve curcumin's effectiveness in treating inflammatory bowel disease by enhancing bioavailability and modulating gut bacteria.

## Contribution

The novel LF/CP-Cur MN nanoparticles offer dual regulatory effects by improving curcumin delivery and modulating gut microbiota in IBD.

## Key findings

- LF/CP-Cur MN reduced bitterness and prolonged curcumin release.
- Treatment mitigated IBD symptoms and restored intestinal barrier integrity in mice.
- Nanoparticles increased beneficial gut bacteria and short-chain fatty acids.

## Abstract

Background: Curcumin (Cur) has therapeutic potential for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but is limited by its poor bioavailability. Methods: This study demonstrated that Cur-loaded core–shell structured microgel nanoparticles (LF/CP-Cur MN), fabricated through electrostatic complexation between lactoferrin and citrus pectin, followed by Ca2+ consolidation, overcome this limitation. Results: These nanoparticles effectively reduced the bitterness and astringency of curcumin while prolonging its release time. In an IBD mouse model, LF/CP-Cur MN treatment mitigated symptoms and inflammation of IBD, and restored intestinal barrier integrity. Crucially, compared with free Cur, the LF/CP-Cur MN enhanced colon-targeted accumulation of Cur and favorably modulated the gut microbiota by increasing beneficial genera like Lactobacillus and Dubosiella, while suppressing harmful genera like Enterobacter, thereby promoting levels of acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of the LF/CP-Cur MN to improve Cur bioaccessibility and exert dual functional roles in modulating gut microbiota and alleviating inflammation, thus offering a promising dietary strategy for the management of IBD.