Aerosol-assisted fabrication of mesoporous CeO2 nanoparticles for cargo controlled delivery application

Abstract

This study presents a spray pyrolysis technique for fabricating mesoporous cerium oxide nanoparticles (MCNs) with tunable properties. The MCNs were extensively characterized by their morphology, crystallinity, optical properties, and surface area through transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, UV−vis spectroscopy, and BET adsorption isotherms. We manipulated synthesis parameters to tailor these characteristics, and subsequently evaluated the ability of MCNs to load and release the cationic probe Rhodamine 6G, demonstrating their responsiveness to pH variations. The particles showed high entrapment efficiency (up to 40 %), pH-responsive release, and pore-size-dependent release performance. Additionally, the biocompatibility of MCNs was confirmed by assessing their impact on the viability of HEK293 cells. The findings indicate that the fabricated MCNs hold promise for targeted nano-therapeutic applications, particularly within acidic microenvironments such as tumor sites.