University Archives

Curcumin is known for its anti-cancer properties but has not yet undergone comprehensive investigation into its potential use in cancer treatment. Literature on how curcumin interacts and binds with DNA is established, but additional work on impact of buffer solution and solvent composition on DNA-curcumin binding is not clear. In this research, we will determine how curcumin binds and interacts with DNA using UV-Vis spectrophotometry under different buffer solutions and solvent compositions. We will report on the absorbances and standard curves for both the curcumin and the DNA solution in tris-EDTA buffers and varied %ethanol. Current research will explore if/how the water-ethanol solvent ratio utilized in the curcumin solution, and if different quantities of the water-ethanol solvent, influence the absorbance and lambda-max of the DNA. The goal of this research is to connect curcumin-DNA binding to possible biological effects. Additionally, this study will establish a protocol and sets the stage for investigating other therapeutic relevant compounds to DNA binding.