pH-controlled Release System for Curcumin based on Functionalized Dendritic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

Abstract

Mesoporous silica materials are promising drug delivery systems, especially in case of poorly water-soluble drugs. Curcumin (Cur) has proven effective for several pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicropeal, hepatoprotective, and anticancer activities. In the present work two types of mesoporous silica nanoparticles were evaluated as a Cur carrier for controlled release of this anticancer natural pro-drug: MCM-41 (Two Dimensional) and KCC-1 (Three Dimensional), both functionalized with aminopropyl groups. KCC-NH 2 and MCM-NH 2 contained a similar amount of Cur (24.5% and 23.9%, respectively). In vitro experiments have shown that both materials effectively release Cur and the cumulative release was enhanced for low acidity (pH=2.5). At low acidic pH (2.5), the KCC-1 sample released higher amount (up to 19%) of curcumin compared to MCM-41 (14%). Thus it is possible to achieve controlled, long-term and effective pH-stimulated release of curcumin from amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles. This finding opens the way for their application for controlled curcumin delivery in cancer disease because of the acidic tumor environment, increase its stability and lead to an increase of the Cur bioavailability. Moreover, the KCC-1 three dimensional mesoporous silica seems to be a more promising nano-carrier compared to the commonly used MCM-41 material.