Anticancer activity of curcumin loaded hybrid system of silver-amine functionalized silica nanoparticles

Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound, has gained considerable attention in recent years as a therapeutic agent due to its ability to act at the cellular level and modulate multiple signaling pathways. However, its poor solubility, low bioavailability, and rapid metabolism limit its clinical applications for cancer treatment. The aim of the present study was to develop a novel hybrid nanocarrier system comprising curcumin-loaded silver–amine functionalized silica nanoparticles (CUR@Ag-AFS) for potential anticancer applications. Monodisperse silica nanoparticles were synthesized using a modified sol–gel method, functionalized with amine groups using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), and decorated with silver ions to form a stable hybrid matrix. Curcumin extracted from Curcuma longa was effectively encapsulated within the nanocarrier, achieving a high encapsulation efficiency (77%) and drug loading capacity (25%). FTIR, XRD, SEM–EDS, TGA, DSC, and zeta potential analyses confirmed successful surface modification, uniform drug incorporation, and improved stability. In vitro release studies demonstrated sustained and pH-responsive release behaviour, with maximum cumulative release (91.6%) under acidic conditions (pH 5.5), indicating suitability for tumor-targeted delivery. Furthermore, the CUR@Ag-AFS system exhibited enhanced dose-dependent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cancer cells compared to pure curcumin, due to the combined therapeutic actions of curcumin and silver species. These findings highlight the potential of the CUR@Ag-AFS hybrid system for sustained, pH-sensitive curcumin delivery, offering multifunctional therapeutic applications in cancer rehabilitation and disability management.