Synthesis of Modified Silver- or Copper-Loaded Silica Nanocarriers as a Tool for Curcumin Delivery

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) constitute a promising platform for curcumin delivery, mitigating its pharmacokinetic limitations and enabling controlled release at the target site. The incorporation of metals may further enhance the therapeutic effects of curcumin. In this study, a series of curcumin carriers based on MSNs decorated with silver or copper and aminopropyl groups was produced. The resulting nanomaterials contained CuO and AgBr crystallites and exhibited uniform mesoporosity, large pore volumes, and specific surface areas. These materials were evaluated for curcumin delivery, cytotoxicity toward normal and cancer cells of intestinal origin, and antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria and fungi. The most favorable properties were exhibited by the carrier containing AgBr and aminopropyl groups, which showed a selectivity index of 3.8 for cancer cells relative to healthy cells, the highest anticancer activity (IC₅₀ = 19.72 µg/mL), and a strong antimicrobial effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.