Enhancing of anticancer efficiency of curcumin by functionalization of phosphonate functional group on surface of mesoporous nanosilica

The functionalization of the surface of silica-based nanoparticles with targeting ligands has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in enhancing their activity. In this study, the surface of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) was functionalized with the phosphonate group (-PO3) to facilitate the adsorption and targeted delivery of curcumin to cancer cells, concurrently significantly enhancing the stability of the nanomaterial. Methodologies including scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, N2 adsorption isotherms, and thermal gravimetric analysis were systematically employed to characterize the features of the nanomaterials. The assessment of curcumin loading efficiency within both MSN and phosphonate-functionalized MSN (MSN-PO3) was conducted, predicated upon interactions with the loading solvent and the material's stability. Notably, stability assays revealed that unmodified particles exhibited agglomeration within a 96-h period, while their modified counterparts maintained their structural integrity. Moreover, discerning outcomes from in vitro cytotoxicity assays unveiled the potent efficacy of curcumin-loaded materials against colorectal cancer cells (C-26), with minimal impact on fibroblast cells (L929). These collective results substantiate the role of these materials as efficacious nanocarriers for delivering anticancer drugs.