Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are effective carriers for hydrophobic anticancer drugs; however, existing research reports that their native surface properties lead to low drug loading efficiency, poor release control, weak interactions, and premature leakage. This research aimed to prepare an effective and selective tumor-targeted drug delivery structure based on MSNs with improved drug loading and release. Drug delivery performance of unmodified MSNs (MSNs + Curcumin) via carboxyl (−COOH) functionalization, yielding MSNs−COOH + Curcumin. Both formulations were categorized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis. FTIR confirmed the presence of −COOH groups (~1700 cm −1 ) and characteristic curcumin peaks (~1500–1600 cm −1 , 3200–3500 cm −1 ), indicating successful surface modification and drug incorporation. TGA showed initial weight loss below 100°C due to adsorbed water and major decomposition between 200–400°C corresponding to −COOH groups and curcumin, confirming successful encapsulation. FE-SEM analysis revealed well-defined porous structures, and TEM images with slightly denser pore walls, indicating strong drug–carrier interactions. BET analysis showed a surface area of 450 m 2 /g, pore volume of 0.45 cm 3 /g, and pore size of 2.5 nm, confirming effective pore occupation by curcumin. In vitro analysis demonstrated pH-responsive release, with enhanced curcumin release under conditions of pH 5.5 (acidic) compared to pH 7.4 (physiological). Overall, the functionalized system exhibited improved structural integrity, controlled release, and pH-sensitive behavior, highlighting the critical role of carboxyl functionalization in developing efficient nanocarriers for targeted cancer therapy.
Mingjie Yang (Fri,) studied this question.