Design Rules for Mesoporous Silica toward the Nanosize: A Systematic Study

Abstract

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are one of the most frequently employed inorganic materials for catalysis and nanomedicine applications. Nonetheless, a complete control of MSN synthesis parameters aimed at standardizing particle properties is still far from complete, being one of the reasons underlying heterogeneity in their chemical−physical properties, as well as in their biological outcomes. Here, transmission electron microscopy, Xray diffraction, and volumetric analysis, together with dynamic light scattering and ζ-potential measurements, were combined to carefully characterize different MSNs through a systematic investigation of the role and effectiveness of different factors, such as reaction temperature, time, and pH, on the resulting particle size, texture, and dispersion properties. This methodological approach allowed the implementation of design rules for size-, shape-, and structurecontrolled MSNs in the range between 170 and 50 nm.

The pH-triggered drug release and simultaneous carrier decomposition of effervescent SiO2–drug–Na2CO3 composite nanoparticles: to improve the antitumor activity of hydrophobic drugs

“…The existing research studies on silica nanoparticles have made great progress in improving the drug loading efficiency and decomposition of carriers in cancer therapeutics. 7,8 However, the methodology can only be applied to hydrophilic drugs. 5,17 The current study has been successful in the loadings of a variety of hydrophobic drugs through the construction of a composite nanosystem (ESNs) with a core-shell structure.…”

“…6 In recent decades, silica nanoparticles (SNs) have achieved tremendous advances in improving the efficacy of drug delivery in cancer therapeutics. 7,8 SNs possess great biocompatibility, an ordered mesoporous structure, a large specic surface area providing sufficient space for the accommodation of drugs, and easy surface-functional modication for the promotion of cell uptake. 9 They can also be used as controlled drug-delivery vehicles via the simple alteration of SNs or mesoporous size.…”

Colloidal Stability and Redispersibility of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles in Biological Media

“…Therefore, scientists must ensure the colloidal stability of MSNs during the entire production process, avoiding aggregation before and after administration. However, MSNs’ colloidal stability maintenance is a difficult task, since they are prone to aggregate during the usual steps after synthesis (template removal, surface modification, and drying). , The functionalization of MSNs’ surface before the template removal has successfully provided colloidal stability to MSNs in biological media . Unfortunately, part of cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) likely remains trapped inside MSNs’ pores and might be a source of severe toxicity.…”

Surface Properties and Porosity of Silica Particles Studied by Wide-Angle Soft X-ray Scattering

“…Colloidal silica from Stöber-like growth processes is usually considered as being nonporous or microporous . The synthesis of mesoporous silica particles is also well known . Light scattering techniques are widely used for the size determination of colloidal nanoparticles including silica particles. − Dynamic light scattering (DLS) gives only indirect information about the hydrodynamic diameter and the polydispersity.…”