Curcumin-Loaded Amine-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Inhibit α‑Synuclein Fibrillation and Reduce Its Cytotoxicity-Associated Effects

This study aimed to develop a drug carrier based on amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (AAS–MSNPs) for a poorly water-soluble drug, curcumin (CUR), and to study its effects on α-synuclein (α-Syn) fibrillation and cytotoxicity. Here, we show that AAS–MSNPs possess high values of loading efficiency and capacity (33.5% and 0.45 mg drug/mg MSNPs, respectively) for CUR. It is also revealed that α-Syn species interact strongly with the CUR-loaded AAS–MSNPs, leading to a significant inhibition of the fibrillation process. Furthermore, these samples reduce the toxic effects of CUR. However, drug-loaded AAS–MSNPs do not affect the cytotoxic properties of the formed fibrils considerably. In addition, CUR loaded onto AAS–MSNPs shows enhanced stability in comparison with that of the free drug. These remarkable properties introduce AAS–MSNPs as a promising tool for the formulation of poorly water-soluble drugs such as CUR.