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.