Fabrication techniques of curcumin-enhanced hydrogels: Impact on immune response, and their role in inflammatory-related diseases

Curcumin, a bioactive compound with potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, has shown promise in treating various inflammatory-related diseases. However, its clinical application is hindered by poor bioavailability and rapid degradation. Recent advancements in hydrogel-based delivery systems offer a promising solution by enhancing the stability of curcumin, ensuring controlled releases and targeted therapeutic effects. This review explores the impact of curcumin-enhanced hydrogels on immune response, focusing on their physicochemical properties, fabrication techniques, and interaction with inflammatory pathways. Different inflammatory pathways and their cytokine release profiles are discussed in detail based on the properties of curcumin hydrogels. Furthermore, this review highlights the potential application of curcumin-enhanced hydrogels in various chronic inflammatory diseases and injuries, where inflammation plays a central role in disease progression. This review also includes prospects, such as the introduction of smart hydrogel technologies and biomaterial innovations to optimize the delivery of curcumin for effective therapeutic potential. Technologies such as stimuli-responsive curcumin hydrogel, 3D bio-printed hydrogels, and hydrogels embedded with sensors are discussed on how to further improve curcumin’s therapeutic potential. The findings underscore the potential of curcumin-enhanced hydrogels as an innovative and effective approach to addressing inflammation.