Synthesis and characterization of piperine-modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have displayed high-potential prospects in biomedical use, especially for drug delivery due to large surface area, tunable pore size and simple surface functionalization. The objective behind the present research is to synthesize and profile piperine-modified MSNs for their preparation due to antioxidative anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory properties of the alkaloid chosen as a modifier. In the study, silica piperine nanoparticles (SPN) were fabricated based on a modified Stöber method. Characterization techniques including SEM, TEM, AFM, FTIR, XRD, and DSC showed significant differences of incorporated piperine in the production process to plain MSN properties. Piperine was observed to inhibit nanoparticles’ growth so that they became smaller, heterogeneous, with a changed morphology and surface chemistry. As a strong confirmation of covalent incorporation, spectroscopic data showed the presence of electrons in the piperine's functional group that were exchanged into some silanol groups and removed excessive surface energy. The antioxidant activity of SPNs revealed that the silica matrix, and moreover bioactive piperine combination resulted to significant increase in enhanced antioxidant potential. In general, the results of this study offer meaningful lessons about the utilization and manipulation of piperine to suit MSN in a bid to optimize them for biomedical uses such as drug delivery applications where its antioxidant characteristics may bring therapeutic benefits. This holistic characterization and standardization of piperine-modified MSNs sets the solid stage for further project practice and advance adjustment in aluminosilicate nanostructures designed for biomedical application.