Development of Novel Piperine‐Loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: Enhanced Drug Delivery and Comprehensive In Vivo Safety Analysis

ABSTRACT Piperine‐loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) were synthesized by chemical methods from tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as a precursor, N ‐cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as a surfactant, piperine, distilled water, and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as a catalyst at 80°C. After stirring the mixture for 20–30 min, the synthesized combined substances were washed with ethanol and the surfactant was removed using hydrochloric acid (HCl). The morphological characterization was assessed by high‐resolution‐transmission electron microscope (HR‐TEM), scanning electron microscopy (field emission [FE]‐scanning electron microscopy [SEM]), FE‐SEM–energy‐dispersive x‐ray (EDX), infrared Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR), x‐ray diffractometer (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–VIS). HR‐TEM final report showed the amorphous nature of the prepared nanoparticles (NPs). TEM image at 100 nm showed typical ball‐like geometry with an average particle size of 13.05 nm. FE‐SEM analysis proved that MSNPs loaded with piperine have a spherical shape with various nm ranges starting from 232 to 552 nm. The results of the piperine release test observed 93.70% of the drug (piperine) over 24 h. The in vivo toxicity analysis of piperine‐loaded MSNPs tested using adult zebrafish showed no toxic effect. Our developed piperine‐loaded MSNPs are favorable for achieving sustained release, a lower dose frequency, and better therapeutic effects.