Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a high incidence and resistance to conventional treatments. Curcumin (CUR) is a promising natural product in the treatment of CRC with excellent in vitro results. However, its low bioavailability is a limiting factor in clinical applications. To overcome, CUR was incorporated into hydrogels constituted by chitosan (CHT) and chondroitin sulfate (CS), natural biopolymers, capable of controlled release. Hydrogels were synthesized in ionic liquids (ILs, [Hmim][HSO₄]) improving the solubility of CHT and the hydrogel properties. Furthermore, CUR was combined with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and visible light by Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), which, through the MEO effect (Metal-Enhanced Singlet Oxygen), leads to cell death. It is highlighted the green synthesis of AgNPs using an ultrasound bath. The CHT/CS hydrogels loaded with CUR/AgNPs were properly characterized. Cellular assays showed that the hydrogels (CHT/CS) were not cytotoxic to healthy tissues. However, PDT selective illumination led to inhibition of Caco-2 human colon cancer cells by the CHT/CS/CUR-AgNPs (CC₅₀ = 91.5 μg mL⁻¹ of hydrogel). The cellular uptake assays showed, in addition to the therapeutic action, that the CUR can works as a diagnostic fluorescence probe (theranostic system). Finally, we highlight our commitment to work with reagents, solvents, and methodologies aiming at the principles of green chemistry.

大肠癌（CRC）的发病率高，并且对常规治疗有抵抗力。姜黄素（CUR）是一种有前景的天然产物，可用于CRC的体外治疗。然而，其低生物利用度是临床应用中的限制因素。为了克服这一问题，将CUR掺入了由壳聚糖（CHT）和硫酸软骨素（CS）（一种天然生物聚合物，能够控制释放）构成的水凝胶中。在离子液体（IL，[Hmim] [HSO ₄]）提高CHT的溶解度和水凝胶特性。此外，CUR与银纳米颗粒（AgNPs）和可见光通过光动力疗法（PDT）结合在一起，通过MEO效应（金属增强的单线态氧）导致细胞死亡。突出显示了使用超声波浴绿色合成AgNPs。载有CUR / AgNPs的CHT / CS水凝胶已得到适当表征。细胞分析表明水凝胶（CHT / CS）对健康组织没有细胞毒性。但是，PDT选择性照射导致CHT / CS / CUR-AgNPs抑制Caco-2人结肠癌细胞的表达（CC ₅₀  = 91.5μgmL ^-1水凝胶）。细胞吸收测定表明，除了具有治疗作用外，CUR还可以用作诊断性荧光探针（热疗系统）。最后，我们强调我们致力于针对绿色化学原理的试剂，溶剂和方法学的承诺。