Nanocurcumin: A Chemistry-Oriented Review of Nanoformulation Strategies and Therapeutic Application Against Sleep Deprivation-Induced Pathologies

Abstract

Sleep deprivation disrupts both rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, contributing to neurological, metabolic, and immune dysfunction through oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and neuronal damage. Although curcumin, the principal polyphenolic compound of Curcuma longa, possesses well-established antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, its therapeutic application is restricted by poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and limited blood brain barrier penetration. Advances in nanotechnology have enabled the development of nanocurcumin formulations that significantly improve the physicochemical stability, solubility, bioavailability, controlled release, and targeted delivery of curcumin. This review provides a chemistry-oriented overview of nanocurcumin as a promising therapeutic strategy for sleep deprivation-induced pathologies. Particular emphasis is placed on formulation approaches, nanoparticle synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and the relationship between nanomaterial properties and biological performance. The molecular mechanisms underlying nanocurcumin-mediated neuroprotection, including modulation of oxidative stress, inflammatory signaling, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and immune responses, are critically discussed. Current evidence supporting its therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative diseases, glioma, neuropathic pain, cognitive impairment, and immune dysfunction associated with sleep deprivation is also summarized. Furthermore, challenges related to formulation reproducibility, long-term stability, biosafety, large-scale manufacturing, regulatory approval, and clinical translation are highlighted. By integrating natural product chemistry, nanotechnology, and targeted drug delivery, this review demonstrates the potential of nanocurcumin as an innovative nanotherapeutic and identifies future directions for the development of effective interventions against sleep deprivation-associated disorders.