PhotoActivated curcumin treatment simulator (PhACTS): a mathematical model to explore the effects of curcumin on perishable fruits

Background: Food waste is a critical global challenge, largely driven by the short shelf life of fresh produce. Curcumin-based nanocarrier systems offer promising antibacterial preservation strategies, but their direct application in food is limited by cost and regulatory constraints. Objective: We developed the PhotoActivated Curcumin Treatment Simulator (PhACTS), a modular in silico tool integrating curcumin release kinetics, bacterial growth dynamics, and light-activated treatment efficacy. The model was calibrated and validated using in vitro and in vivo data from chitosan-shelled nanobubbles and nanocrystals. Methods: The model integrates submodules for curcumin release kinetics, bacterial growth dynamics, and treatment efficacy under varying conditions (nanocarrier type, dosage, temperature, and light exposure). Experimental data from in vitro and in vivo studies involving chitosan-shelled nanobubbles and nanocrystals were used for calibration and validation. Results: PhACTS accurately reproduced bacterial inhibition patterns across curcumin formulations and illumination conditions. Simulations showed that blue light activation enhances antibacterial activity during irradiation but efficacy declines rapidly afterward. Repeated irradiation every 12 h maximized inhibition, though industrial feasibility remains a challenge. Conclusion: PhACTS provides a decision-support platform to pre-screen and optimize curcumin-based preservation strategies, reducing experimental costs and time. Its modular structure allows future extension to other storage conditions and nanocarrier systems.