Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticle using Coconut for Encapsulation of Curcumin

Today, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Currently, there are no cancer treating-drugs available. Cancer cells generally respond to radical-scavenging compounds like polyphenols, and Curcumin is one of them. Also known as diferuloylmethane, Curcumin is a low molecular-weight active constituent from the perennial herb Curcuma longa (commonly known as turmeric) with an established anticancer property. However, this compound has very low bioavailability for efficient absorption. In the present study, Curcumin is encapsulated with gold nanoparticles to improve its bioavailability. Gold nanoparticle synthesized from coconut extract renders the element to be less toxic. The curcumin-gold nanoparticle solution was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope for its morphology and LC50 (Lethal Concentration needed to kill the 50% of the population) toxicity of the solution. The results confirmed the synthesis and encapsulation of Curcumin with gold nanoparticles.