Controlling release and cytotoxicity with berberine-loaded KIT-6

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the present investigation, we employed the hydrothermal approach for crafting mesoporous KIT-6 scaffolds and the post-impregnation technique for incorporating the drug. The concentration of berberine within the mesoporous channels of KIT-6 was assessed through UV–visible spectrophotometer. The results showed that the drug molecules were well integrated into the structure of KIT-6, displaying the material’s 3D cubic mesoporous shape and its notable specific surface area of 1376 m2/g. The in vitro drug release profile was investigated in phosphate-buffered saline (pH = 6.8), and the findings point to the possibility of controlling the drug release quantity by loading the drug into the carrier. Using Vero cell lines, the toxicity of the drug-free and drug-loaded samples was examined and it was concluded that by adding berberine to the mesoporous matrix, the drug’s toxicity was dramatically lowered.