Preparation of curcumin-rutin loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles and evaluation of their physicochemical properties and cytotoxicity

Abstract

Introduction: Rutin and curcumin have potential effects as anticancer phytochemicals; however, their low aqueous solubility and poor bioavailability limited their applications. The aim of this study was the preparation of mesoporous silica nanoparticles co-loaded with rutin and curcumin (Rut-Cur-MSNs) and the assessment of its physicochemical properties as well as its cytotoxicity on the head and neck cancer cells (HN5). Methods: The physicochemical properties of produced nanoparticles were evaluated. The toxicity of Rut-Cur-MSNs on HN5 cells was assessed. Results: The results showed that Rut-Cur-MSNs has mesoporous structure, nanometer size and negative surface charge. The X-ray diffraction pattern showed that the prepared nanoparticles belong to the family of silicates named MCM-41. The cytotoxicity of Rut-Cur-MSNs at 24 h was significantly higher than that of rutin-loaded MSNs (Rut-MSNs) and curcumin-loaded MSNs (Cur-MSNs) (p<0.05). Conclusion: The achieved results recommend that the prepared mesoporous silica nanoparticles containing rutin and curcumin can be a useful nanoformulation for the treatment of cancer.