Green synthesis of unique curcumin derivatives using Trametes versicolor

Curcumin, the primary bioactive compound in Curcuma longa (turmeric), has attracted substantial scientific interest due to its diverse therapeutic potential. This polyphenol exhibits remarkable biological activities, most notably its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [ 1 ]. Despite its numerous potential benefits, curcumin’s effectiveness is limited by its poor bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and quick elimination from the body [ 1 ]. In the present work, the biotransformation of curcumin was investigated using fungal enzymes with the proposal to generate original bioactive derivatives [ 2 ]. Curcumin was incubated with the laccases of the saprophytic fungi Trametes versicolor . This chemoenzymatic synthesis was optimized through a systematic approach, beginning with analytical-scale reactions (1 mg/mL) conducted under varied conditions (temperatures: 25-35°C, pH: 3.0-7.0, enzyme concentrations: 5-50 U/mL). Reaction progress was monitored in real-time using UHPLC-HRMS to confirm complete substrate conversion (>99%) and derivative formation. The optimized process was then scaled up to 1 g of curcumin, with HPLC-PDA-ELSD monitoring. Purification was achieved via high-resolution semi-preparative HPLC combined with dry load injection [ 3 ]. Notably, geometric transfer methods ensured chromatographic consistency across scales, maintaining matching selectivity profiles, minimal retention time prediction deviations, and identical elution orders between analytical and preparative systems [ 4 ]. This streamlined method enabled the single-step synthesis of a series of novel curcumin derivatives through phenoxyl radical coupling reactions [ 5 ]. Structural elucidation was performed through comprehensive NMR and HRMS analysis. The isolated compounds were submitted to a series of biological assays including Wnt inhibition and cytotoxic activity against breast cancer cells lines. Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany