CP and inflammatory bowel disease: <h4>Background</h4>Curcumin (Cur) has therapeutic potential for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but is limited by its poor bioavailability.<h4>Methods</h4>This study demonstrated that Cur-loaded core-shell structured microgel nanoparticles (LF/CP-Cur MN), fabricated through electrostatic complexation between lactoferrin and citrus pectin, followed by Ca<sup>2+</sup> consolidation, overcome this limitation.<h4>Results</h4>These nanoparticles effectively reduced the bitterness and astringency of curcumin while prolonging its release time.