Successful controlled release of cyclophosphamide from tert-butylamine-functionalized large-pore SBA-15

Abstract

ABSTRACT Controlled drug delivery systems operate effectively using the correct carrier/host design that respects the physicochemical characteristics of the drug. LP-SBA-15 shows exceptional qualities as a new host for cyclophosphamide (CP) delivery due to its low toxicity, high biocompatibility, and biodegradability in vivo. Cyclophosphamide is a phosphoramide-derived alkylating compound currently used for treating autoimmune diseases and slowing or restraining cancer cell growth. LP-SBA-15 was synthesized and functionalized using 0%–15%–25% tert-Butylamine (TBA) to incorporate the drug. The composite was characterized by XRD, N2 physisorption, UV-VIS, and FTIR spectroscopy. Absorption and release of CP were assessed by UV-VIS spectrophotometry. The release mechanism from the functionalized LP-SBA-15 matrix was evaluated by fitting experimental data with different mathematical models. The Ritger – Peppas, Weibull, and First-Order models were the most appropriate, as confirmed by the coefficient of determination R2 and other statistics. We designed LP-SBA-15 functionalized with 15% TBA as a suitable system that achieves a moderate initial release rate and maintains a constant rate over long periods, enabling the nanodrug (CP) to concentrate on tumor tissue and not on normal cells while simultaneously reaching adequate levels over time and avoiding harmful side effects due to their deposition.