Curcumin-loaded bacterial cellulose films suppress in vitro melanogenesis in human epidermal melanocytes

Efficacious dosage of conventional hyperpigmentation treatments is limited by their toxicity and undesirable side effects. Bacterial cellulose (BC) patch containing plant phenolic  compound is proposed as an effective yet safe alternative. In this work, curcumin-loaded BC film (Cur(BC)) was developed as a cytocompatible inhibitor of in vitro melanogenesis in hyperpigmented melanocytes. (Cur)BC was characterized to understand its morphological, physical, and chemical properties. Its anti-melanogenic effects were assessed by in vitro studies performed on putrescine induced human epidermal melanocytes. Results show that Cur(BC) is non-cytotoxic, decreases melanin production by up to 58%, and down-regulates melanogenesis-related genes TYR, TRP-1, TRP-2. This report features the first evaluation of the synergistic effects and limitations of curcumin-loaded bacterial cellulose composites on melanin production in vitro.