Evaluation of the Synergistic Effects of Curcumin-Resveratrol co-loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles on Colorectal Cancer Cells

Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a substantial global health challenge, necessitating innovative solutions due to the limitations inherent in current conventional treatments. Curcumin and resveratrol, natural phytochemicals, have emerged as promising anticancer agents, offering therapeutic benefits with minimal toxicity to healthy tissues. However, the clinical application of these phytochemicals faces limitations. Nanoformulations have gained prominence for their ability to overcome these constraints, ensuring improved solubility, controlled release, and enhanced biocompatibility. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have garnered attention as nanocarriers due to their exceptional biocompatibility and high load capacity. This study focused on investigating the effect of co-loaded curcumin and resveratrol MSNs on target gene expression, which is crucial in cancerogenesis. Curcumin and resveratrol were immobilized onto MSNs functionalized with 3- aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and glutaraldehyde (GTA). The co-loaded MSNs were characterized using FTIR, TGA, SEM, XRD, BET, and determination of encapsulation efficiency by UV-Visible spectrophotometry. In vitro cytotoxicity assays were conducted using HCT-116 and Caco-2 colorectal cell lines. Target gene expression was evaluated through RT-qPCR after treating HCT-116 cancer cells with the nanoformulation at 24 and 48-hour time points. The results revealed significant upregulation of the tumor suppressor gene TP53 and apoptosis-related gene Bax, coupled with downregulation of proliferation-related genes Wnt-1 and CTNNB1. These findings demonstrate the ability of co-loaded curcumin and resveratrol MSNs to modulate key genes involved in cancer progression, showcasing their potential as a promising therapeutic strategy for CRC.