Oral Curcumin through Mesoporous Silica Nanomaterials\nwith Distinct Morphologies: Synthesis, Characterization, Biosafety\nEvaluation, and Antioxidant Activity <i>In Vivo</i>

Antioxidant\nplay a crucial role in the prevention and treatment\nof diseases associated with oxidative stress. Curcumin (CUR), as a\nnatural antioxidant, exhibits numerous therapeutic properties, including\nantioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antitumor activities.\nHowever, its limited bioavailability and poor water solubility hinder\nits application as an effective antioxidant. In this study, a series\nof mesoporous silica nanomaterials with distinct morphologies, i.e.,\nmesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) and mesoporous silica nanorods\n(MSR) were synthesized by a template–sediment–etching\nmethod. CUR was selected as a model drug and encapsulated into these\nnanomaterials to improve its bioavailability <i>in vivo</i>. The morphology and size distribution of MSN and MSR were determined\nthrough transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging and Zetasizer\nanalysis. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra confirmed\nthe successful encapsulation of CUR within these nanomaterials. Furthermore,\nthese CUR-loaded silica nanomaterials, denoted as CUR@MSN and CUR@MSR,\nexhibited excellent DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity <i>in vitro</i>. Furthermore, CUR@MSN and CUR@MSR also exhibited\nobvious <i>in vivo</i> antioxidant activity. This study\nopens up new avenues for the development of enhanced antioxidants\nthrough the utilization of mesoporous silica nanomaterials.