Multilamellar mesoporous silica nanoparticles using a cationic co-surfactant dual-templating method

Abstract

The utility of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) has been repeatedly proven in a wide range of biomedical applications. The general morphology of these particles is easily modifiable by various post-grafting possibilities and adjustments within the surfactant-based template. The synthesis of multilamellar vesicular silica nanoparticles has led to the discovery of beneficial attributes regarding said particles. Depending on the synthesis process, various parameters are affected including packaging capacity, stability, drug adsorption and release. This research focused on synthesis and characterization of multilamellar MSNs using a cationic-cationic co-surfactant templating route testing various ratios of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB). TEM imaging showed clear differences in size and morphology between the different samples, and was further characterized by BET and BJH analysis. All multilamellar nanoparticles did exhibit a similar pore size distribution and overall gradual release of drug contents. However, the degree of drug adsorption and overtime drug release was clearly influenced by the number of layers of the MSNs, proving the utility of adjusting the template. Further experiments could be conducted to validate the utility of beta- cyclodextrin as a template regulator and to investigate both biocompatibility and biodegradability of the multilamellar MSNs.

How Advancing are Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles? A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

“…Thus far, various MSNs with uniform pore size and ordered pore structure were reported by using surfactants named structure-directing agents (SDAs). 36 , 37 MCM-41, MCM-48, and SBA-15 are the most popular ordered MSNs used in drug delivery applications. These families of MSNs are known for their uniform pore size and long-range ordered pore structure.…”