Structural features and DNA binding ability of SBA-15 nanostructured silica containing amino acids or amino acid-derived drugs grafted with vanadocene complexes

Abstract

Novel silica nanostructured materials, synthesized by functionalizing SBA-15 with amino acids or amino acid-derived drugs and vanadocenes, have been meticulously characterized using a range of spectroscopic and thermal techniques. Employing FTIR, solid-state UV–vis, XRF, XRD, and TGA analyses, we have unequivocally confirmed the successful functionalization of the silica carriers. The incorporation of our target molecules predominantly occurred within the pores of these silica-based systems, as evidenced by the discernible reduction in peak intensities in the corresponding diffractograms post-functionalization. Complementing these findings, solid-state 51V NMR investigations suggest a four-coordinated local symmetry around V in the final materials (S6–S8). Additionally, we conducted qualitative DNA binding tests on S7, which yielded compelling results indicating DNA adherence to the surfaces of the metallodrug-functionalized nanomaterials. In light of these results, our proposed nanosystems exhibit significant promise as potential anticancer agents.