We synthesized silica nanoparticles by using a straightforward chemical method. UV–VIS spectroscopy confirmed the primary characterization of curcumin (CU), silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) and conjugation of curcumin-silica nanoparticles (CU-SiNPs) at 420 nm, 337 nm and 417 nm, respectively. FTIR indicated the presence of diarylheptanoids chromophore group on curcumin and curcumin-silica nanoparticles conjugate, which confirms successfull conjugation. Curcumin indicated several distinct peaks in XRD micrograph due to its crystalline nature, whereas silica nanoparticles showed typical amorphous pattern. The average particle size of synthesized SiNPs and CU-SiNPs were 10 nm and 15 nm, respectively. It was observed that curcumin crystallinity was retained in CU-SiNPs conjugate. Drosophila melanogaster was used to assess the level of toxicity that can be associated with curcumin, silica nanoparticles and their conjugates on life-history traits, fertility, hatchability and development time. In all experimental set, the range of eggs/fly/day 61–63 was comparable in experimental as well as control set of flies at 10 mg L-1 doses. Furthermore, the control sample showed 100% hatchability, whereas the experimental group showed 99–100% hatchability. Overall, curcumin, nanoparticles and their conjugates, showed high bioavailability along with no significant toxicity