Amine-functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Research Articles

Amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles decorated by silver nanoparticles for delivery of doxorubicin in breast and cervical cancer cells

Nanocarriers have demonstrated promising potential in the delivery of various anticancer drugs and in improving the efficiency of the treatment. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were green-synthesized using the extracts of different parts of the pomegranate plant, including the peel, flower petals, and calyx. To obtain the most efficient extract used for the green synthesis of AgNPs, all three types of synthesized nanoparticles were characterized. Then, (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs-APTES) decorated with AgNPs were fabricated via a one-pot green-synthesis method. AgNPs were directly coated on the surface of MSNs-APTES by adding pomegranate extract enriched with a source of reducing agent leading to converting the silver ion to AgNPs. The MSN-APTES-AgNPs (MSNs-AgNPs) have been thoroughly characterized using nanoparticle characterization techniques. In addition, DNA cleavage and hemolysis activities of the synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed, confirming the biocompatibility of synthesized nanoparticles. The Doxorubicin (DOX, as a breast/cervical anti-cancer drug) loading (42.8%) and release profiles were investigated via UV–visible spectroscopy. The fibroblast, breast cancer, and cervical cancer cells’ viability against DOX-loaded nanoparticles were also studied. The results of this high drug loading, uniform shape, and small functionalized nanoparticles demonstrated its great potential for breast and cervical cancer management.

Size variations of mesoporous silica nanoparticle control uptake efficiency and delivery of AC2-derived dsRNA for protection against tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus.

We report the size dependent uptake of dsRNA loaded MSNPs into the leaves and roots of Nicotiana benthamiana plants and accessed for their relative reduction in Tomato leaf curl New Delhi viral load. A non-GMO method of RNA interference (RNAi) has been recently in practice through direct delivery of double stranded RNA into the plant cells. Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), a bipartitie begomovirus, is a significant viral pathogen of many crops in the Indian subcontinent. Conventional RNAi cargo delivery strategies for instance uses viral vectors and Agrobacterium-facilitated delivery, exhibiting specific host responses from the plant system. In the present study, we synthesized three different sizes of amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (amino-MSNPs) to mediate the delivery of dsRNA derived from the AC2 (dsAC2) gene of ToLCNDV and showed that these dsRNA loaded nanoparticles enabled effective reduction in viral load. Furthermore, we demonstrate that amino-MSNPs protected the dsRNA molecules from nuclease degradation, while the complex was efficiently taken up by the leaves and roots of Nicotiana benthamiana. The real time gene expression evaluation showed that plants treated with nanoparticles of different sizes ~ 10nm (MSNPDEA), ~ 32nm (MSNPTEA) and ~ 66nm (MSNPNH3) showed five-, eleven- and threefold reduction of ToLCNDV in N. benthamiana, respectively compared to the plants treated with naked dsRNA. This work clearly demonstrates the size dependent internalization of amino-MSNPs and relative efficacy in transporting dsRNA into the plant system, which will be useful in convenient topical treatment to protect plants against their pathogens including viruses. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with FITC, checked for its uptake into Nicotiana benthamiana.

PCL/gelatin nanofibers embedded with doxorubicin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles/silver nanoparticles as an antibacterial and anti-melanoma cancer

Melanoma cancer wound healing is critical and complex and poses a significant challenge to researchers. Drug resistance, adverse side effects, and inefficient localization of chemotherapeutic drugs limit common treatment strategies in melanoma cancer. Using drug delivery nanostructures with low side effects and high efficiency, besides having antibacterial and antiseptic properties, can effectively repair the damage caused by the disease. To this end, this study aimed to develop a drug delivery nanosystem based on doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), linked with green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Characterization methods including microscopic methods and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the synthesis and functionalization of the well-dispersed nanoparticles with nanosized and uniform structures. The poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers as a strong scaffold were produced by the blow spinning method and DOX-loaded nanoparticles were blow spun on PCL nanofibers along with gelatin solution. The resulting nanosystem including nanofibers and nanoparticles (NFs/NPS) showed a fine loading percent with a proper release profile of DOX and AgNPs and low hemolysis activity. Moreover, besides preventing infection by AgNPs, the DOX-loaded NFs/NPs could effectively destroy melanoma cancer cells. The attachment of normal cells to the nanoparticles-loaded nanofibers scaffold revealed the possibility of healing wounds caused by melanoma cancer.

Biodegradable Dual-Function Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Prevention of Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw.

This study presents the development of composite hydrogels, comprising a biodegradable polymer (carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS or CM)) and a mixture of plasma-treated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (PMCM-41 or PM) and amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (NMCM-41 or NM), coloaded with a hydrophilic antibiotic (clindamycin hydrochloride (CDM or C)) and a poorly water-soluble compound (geranylgeraniol (GGOH or G)) for prevention of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). The CG-loaded hydrogel stabilities were better maintained when CDM-preloaded PMCM-41 and NMCM-41 were initially used and governed by weight ratios of CDM-loaded PMCM-41 to NMCM-41 and CDM quantity utilized. 5PM240C-1NM-CM demonstrated the best CDM-loaded hydrogel for GGOH postloading. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray microcomputer-tomography (μCT) images of 5PM240C-1NM-CM revealed a porous structure with homogeneously distributed nanoparticles. Two GGOH-loaded 5PM240C-1NM-CM hydrogels were generated after GGOH loadings. Their biphasic drug release profiles were fitted by Ritger-Peppas and Hixson-Crowell models. The copresence of GGOH could hinder CDM releases, while GGOH was released with a slower rate. The hydrogels prolonged the CDM and GGOH releases up to 9 days. They possessed antibacterial activities against Streptococcus sanguinis for up to 14 days and satisfactorily provided good cytoprotection against zoledronic acid for osteoclastic and osteoblastic progenitors, thus preserving a pool of viable progenitor cells that had the capacity to differentiate into mature osteoclasts and osteoblasts in vitro, suggesting their potential local application for prevention of BRONJ.

Surface engineered palmitoyl-mesoporous silica nanoparticles with supported lipid bilayer coatings for high-capacity loading and prolonged release of dexamethasone: A factorial design approach

The use of dexamethasone (DEX) as a mainstay drug for controlling inflammation is hampered by its unfavorable pharmacokinetics and systemic side effects. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been identified as a viable delivery strategy due to their unique features, such as tunable pore size, shape, and surface area, as well as biocompatibility, and surface function ability, and stability. In the present study, amine-functionalized MSNs with an average diameter of 88 nm, mean specific surface area of 498 m2/g, and mean pore size of 2.4 nm were fabricated and modified first with palmitoyl chloride (MSN-PALM) to improve drug loading. The impact of different degrees of MSN palmitoylation was explored on the DEX loading and particle size distribution. To avoid unfavorable interactions of MSN silanol groups with bio-membranes, as well as to improve colloidal dispersion and to sustain drug release, DEX-loaded MSN and MSN-PALM were combined with lipid bilayers containing PEG-phospholipids and then probe sonicated to obtain MSN-LC or MSN-PALM-LC, respectively. The preparations were characterized using DLS, FE-SEM, TGA, FTIR, XRD, and BET techniques, and then optimized by modifying the degree of palmitoylation, and lipid bilayer composition, and the weight ratio of phospholipids to the carrier using a full factorial design approach. Equilibrium surface adsorption of DEX was evaluated by comparing different isotherms including Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin. In-vitro release profiles of DEX from MSN, MSN-PALM, MSN-LC, and MSN-PALM-LC in phosphate buffer (pH = 7.4) were evaluated, and the drug release data were fitted to various kinetic models. Drug loading (%) reached to 35% (w/w) in 1:1 drug/carrier ratio in MSN-PALM13. Initial fast drug release from MSN-NH2 and MSN-PALM13 continued for 12 h, resulting in a drug release of about 61% and 47%, respectively. After lipid coating, initial fast release of DEX decreased to about 26% and 19%, respectively. The hemolysis test indicated that palmitoylation in high ratios and supported lipid coating to a greater extent improved hemocompatibility. Finally, surface engineered MSNs have shown high-capacity DEX loading, long-term release, and hemocompatibility, suggesting their potential application in chronic inflammatory diseases.

In Vitro Efficacy of Curcumin-Loaded Amine-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles against MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells.

Purpose: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have drawn substantial interest as drug nanocarriers for breast cancer therapy. Nevertheless, because of the hydrophilic surfaces, the loading of well-known hydrophobic polyphenol anticancer agent curcumin (Curc) into MSNs is usually very low. Methods: For this purpose, Curc molecules were loaded into amine-functionalized MSNs (MSNs-NH2 -Curc) and characterized using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). MTT assay and confocal microscopy, respectively, were used to determine the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of the MSNs-NH2 - Curc in the MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Besides, the expression levels of apoptotic genes were evaluated via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot. Results: It was revealed that MSNs-NH2 possessed high values of drug loading efficiency and exhibited slow and sustained drug release compared to bare MSNs. According to the MTT findings, while the MSNs-NH2 -Curc were nontoxic to the human non-tumorigenic MCF-10A cells at low concentrations, it could considerably decrease the viability of MCF-7 breast cancer cells compared to the free Curc in all concentrations after 24, 48 and 72 hours exposure times. A cellular uptake study using confocal fluorescence microscopy confirmed the higher cytotoxicity of MSNs-NH2 -Curc in MCF-7 cells. Further, it was found that the MSNs-NH2 -Curc could drastically affect the mRNA and protein levels of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase 3, caspase 9, and hTERT relative to the free Curc treatment. Conclusion: Taken together, these preliminary results suggest the amine-functionalized MSNs-based drug delivery platform as a promising alternative approach for Curc loading and safe breast cancer treatment.

Antimicrobial action of mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with cefepime and meropenem separately against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii

The extensive use of antibiotics drives the evolution of drug resistance in pathogenic bacteria clearly. Multidrug-resistance (MDR) is being a major challenge in world public health and A. baumannii is becoming an increasingly important human pathogen due to the emergence of MDR strains. In this study, amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN-NH2) was synthesized and loaded by cefepime (CEF) and meropenem (MEP) as antibiotic drugs. The results showed a high loading efficiency of the CEF and MEP into MSN-NH2 (MSN–NH2–CEF and MSN–NH2–MEP). The prepared nanoparticles were fully characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy. In order to determine the antibacterial action of MSN–NH2–CEF and MSN–NH2–MEP against MDR A. baumannii, the broth microdilution and well diffusion method were used. The antimicrobial test results against MDR A. baumannii isolate were showed that drug-loaded MSN-NH2 more effective than the free drug. The results of the present study demonstrated that MSN–NH2–CEF and MSN–NH2–MEP potentiate antimicrobial activity than free drugs and enhanced the possibility of combat against A. baumannii isolate.

Isolation and Quantification of miRNA from the Biomolecular Corona on Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles.

To understand the factors that control the formation of the biomolecular corona, a systematic study of the adsorption of several miRNAs shown to be important in prostate cancer on amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN-NH2) has been performed. Process parameters including miRNA type, nanoparticle concentration, incubation temperature and incubation time were investigated, as well as the potential competition for adsorption between different miRNA molecules. The influence of proteins and particle PEGylation on miRNA adsorption were also explored. We found that low particle concentrations and physiological temperature both led to increased miRNA adsorption. Adsorption of miRNA was also higher when proteins were present in the same solution; reducing or preventing protein adsorption by PEGylating the MSNs hindered adsorption. Finally, the amount of miRNA adsorbed from human serum by MSN-NH2 was compared to a commercial miRNA purification kit (TaqMan®, Life Technologies, Carlsbad, CA, USA). MSN-NH2 adsorbed six times as much miRNA as the commercial kit, demonstrating higher sensitivity to subtle up- and downregulation of circulating miRNA in the blood of patients.

Stimulation of photosynthesis and enhancement of growth and yield in Arabidopsis thaliana treated with amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) of 50 nm diameter particle size with a pore size of approximately 14.7 nm were functionalized with amino groups (Am-MSNs) and the effects of exposure to these positively charged Am-MSNs on each of the life cycle stages of Arabidopsis thaliana were investigated. After growth in half strength MS medium amended with Am-MSNs (0–100 μg/mL) for 7 and 14 days, seed germination rate and seedling growth were significantly increased compared with untreated controls. The seedlings were then transferred to soil and irrigated with Am-MSNs solutions every 3 days until seed harvesting. After four weeks growth in soil, Am-MSNs treated plants showed up-regulation of chlorophyll and carotenoid synthesis-related genes, an increase in the content of photosynthetic pigments and an amplification of plant photosynthetic capacity. All these changes in plants were closely correlated with greater vegetative growth and higher seed yield. In all the experiments, 20 and 50 μg/mL of Am-MSNs were found to be more effective with respect to other treatments, while Am-MSNs at the highest level of 100 μg/mL did not result in oxidative stress or cell membrane damage in the exposed plants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report evaluating both physiological and molecular responses following exposure to plants of these specific Am-MSNs throughout their whole life cycle. Overall, these findings indicate that following exposure Am-MSNs play a major role in the increase in seed germination, biomass, photosynthetic pigments, photosynthetic capacity and seed yield in A. thaliana.

Effect of Confinement in Nanopores on RNA Interactions with Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles.

Amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPAs) are ideal carriers for oligonucleotides for gene delivery and RNA interference. This investigation examines the thermodynamic driving force of interactions of double-stranded (ds) RNA with MSNPAs as a function of RNA length (84 and 282 base pair) and particle pore diameter (nonporous, 2.7, 4.3, and 8.1 nm) using isothermal titration calorimetry, extending knowledge of solution-based nucleic acid-polycation interactions to RNA confined in nanopores. Adsorption of RNA follows a two-step process: endothermic interactions driven by entropic contribution from counterion (and water) release and an exothermic regime dominated by short-range interactions within the pores. Evidence of hindered pore loading of the longer RNA and pore size-dependent confinement of RNA in the MSPAs is provided from the relative contributions of the endothermic and exothermic regimes. Reduction of endothermic and exothermic enthalpies in both regimes in the presence of salt for both lengths of RNA indicates the significant contribution of short-range electrostatic interactions, whereas ΔH and ΔG values are consistent with conformation changes and desolvation of nucleic acids upon binding with polycations. Knowledge of the interactions between RNA and functionalized porous nanoparticles will aid in porous nanocarrier design suitable for functional RNA delivery.

Pore diameter dependence of catalytic activity: p-nitrobenzaldehyde conversion to an aldol product in amine-functionalized mesoporous silica.

The reaction yield for conversion of p-nitrobenzaldehyde (PNB) to an aldol product in amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) exhibits a 20-fold enhancement for a modest increase in pore diameter, d. This enhanced catalytic activity is shown to reflect a strong increase in the "passing propensity," P, of reactant and product species inside the pores. We find that P ≈ 0, corresponding to single-file diffusion, applies for the smallest d which still significantly exceeds the linear dimensions of PNB and the aldol product. However, in this regime of narrow pores, these elongated species must align with each other and with the pore axis in order to pass. Thus, P reflects both translational and rotational diffusion. Langevin simulation accounting for these features is used to determine P versus d. The results are also augmented by analytic theory for small and large d where simulation is inefficient. The connection with the catalytic activity and yield is achieved by the incorporation of results for P into a multi-scale modeling framework. Specifically, we apply a spatially coarse-grained (CG) stochastic model for the overall catalytic reaction-diffusion process in MSN. Pores are treated as linear arrays of cells from the ends of which species adsorb and desorb, and between which species hop and exchange, with the exchange rate reflecting P. CG model predictions including yield are assessed by Kinetic Monte Carlo simulation.

Enhancement Antimicrobial Activity of Clarithromycin by Amine Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery System

Methods: A large pore amine functionalized MSN (MSNs-NH2) is described here to facilitate delivery of clarithromycin (CLM) as an antibacterial drug and enhance the efficacy against Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial samples. Prepared particles were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by agar well diffusion and broth dilution methods. Therefore, the biodistribution of FITC-MSNs was investigated by measure the NIR intensity fluorescent of fluorescent images from whole animal and dissected organs of NMRI mice. Results: The results showed that the CLM loaded MSNs-NH2 (CLM/MSNs-NH2) were successfully prepared having good payload and pH-sensitive drug release kinetics. The antimicrobial investigation against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was showed better performance of antimicrobial activity of these nanoparticles. In vivo and ex vivo fluorescent imaging investigation on NMRI mice were shown that FITC-MSNs-NH2 accumulated in the liver and kidney and notably in lung tissue. Conclusion: The CLM/MSNs-NH2 exhibited higher antimicrobial activity and enhanced the possibility of microbial infection therapy especially at respiratory infections

Amine-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: A New Nanoantibiotic for Bone Infection Treatment

Abstract This manuscript reports an effective new alternative for the management of bone infection by the development of an antibiotic nanocarrier able to penetrate bacterial biofilm, thus enhancing antimicrobial effectiveness. This nanosystem, also denoted as “nanoantibiotic”, consists in mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) loaded with an antimicrobial agent (levofloxacin, LEVO) and externally functionalized with N-(2-aminoethyl)-3- aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (DAMO) as targeting agent. This amine functionalization provides MSNs of positive charges, which improves the affinity towards the negatively charged bacteria wall and biofilm. Physical and chemical properties of the nanoantibiotic were studied using different characterization techniques, including Xray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption porosimetry, elemental chemical analysis, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta (ζ)-potential and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). “In vial” LEVO release profiles and the in vitro antimicrobial effectiveness of the different released doses were investigated. The efficacy of the nanoantibiotic against a S. aureus biofilm was also determined, showing the practically total destruction of the biofilm due to the high penetration ability of the developed nanosystem. These findings open up promising expectations in the field of bone infection treatment.

Adsorption efficiency of methylene blue from aqueous solution with amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanospheres by co-condensation biphasic synthesis: adsorption condition and equilibrium studies

Methylene blue (MB) was adsorbed on the mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) and amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN-NH2). The adsorbent was synthesized biphasic method by co-condensation. A batch adsorption study was carried out of the MB with variable pH, adsorbent dosage and contact time. The MB dye could be removed by 0.05 g of adsorbent and 30 min contact time in the basic solution. The experimental data yielded excellent fits with Langmuir isotherm equations. The maximum adsorption capacity of MSN and MSN-NH2 was calculated by Langmuir isotherm equations of 2.899 and 1.736 mg g-1, respectively.

Amine-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: A New Nanoantibiotic for Bone Infection Treatment

AbstractThis manuscript reports an effective new alternative for the management of bone infection by the development of an antibiotic nanocarrier able to penetrate bacterial biofilm, thus enhancing antimicrobial effectiveness. This nanosystem, also denoted as “nanoantibiotic”, consists in mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) loaded with an antimicrobial agent (levofloxacin, LEVO) and externally functionalized with N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (DAMO) as targeting agent. This amine functionalization provides MSNs of positive charges, which improves the affinity towards the negatively charged bacteria wall and biofilm. Physical and chemical properties of the nanoantibiotic were studied using different characterization techniques, including Xray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles supported copper(II) and nickel(II) Schiff base complexes: Synthesis, characterization, antibacterial activity and enzyme immobilization

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were prepared by sol-gel method and functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. Schiff base grafted mesoporous silica nanoparticle was synthesized by the condensation of 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde and amine-functionalized MSNs. The latter material was then treated with Cu(II) and Ni(II) salts separately to obtain copper and nickel complexes anchored mesoporous composites. The newly prepared hybrid organic-inorganic nanocomposites have been characterized by several techniques such as FT-IR, LA-XRD, FE-SEM, TEM, EDS, BET and TGA. The results showed all samples have MCM-41 type ordered mesoporous structure and functionalization occurs mainly inside the mesopore channel. The presence of all elements in synthesized nanocomposites and the coordination of Schiff base via imine nitrogen and phenolate oxygen were confirmed. MSNs and all functionalized MSNs have uniform spherical nanoparticles with a mean diameter less than 100nm. The as-synthesized mesoporous nanocomposites were investigated for antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (B. subtilis and S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli and P. aeruginosa) bacteria, as carrier for gentamicin and also for immobilization of DNase, coagulase and amylase enzymes. MSN-SB-Ni indicated bacteriocidal effect against S.aureus and all compounds were found to be good carrier for gentamicin. Results of enzyme immobilization for DNase and coagulase and α-amylase revealed that supported metal complexes efficiently immobilized enzymes.

Curcumin-Loaded Amine-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Inhibit α-Synuclein Fibrillation and Reduce Its Cytotoxicity-Associated Effects.

This study aimed to develop a drug carrier based on amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (AAS-MSNPs) for a poorly water-soluble drug, curcumin (CUR), and to study its effects on α-synuclein (α-Syn) fibrillation and cytotoxicity. Here, we show that AAS-MSNPs possess high values of loading efficiency and capacity (33.5% and 0.45 mg drug/mg MSNPs, respectively) for CUR. It is also revealed that α-Syn species interact strongly with the CUR-loaded AAS-MSNPs, leading to a significant inhibition of the fibrillation process. Furthermore, these samples reduce the toxic effects of CUR. However, drug-loaded AAS-MSNPs do not affect the cytotoxic properties of the formed fibrils considerably. In addition, CUR loaded onto AAS-MSNPs shows enhanced stability in comparison with that of the free drug. These remarkable properties introduce AAS-MSNPs as a promising tool for the formulation of poorly water-soluble drugs such as CUR.

Biphasic synthesis of amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanospheres (MSN-NH2) and its application for removal of ferrous (Fe2 +) and copper (Cu2 +) ions

Amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN-NH2) were synthesized under cyclohexane-water biphasic system using l-arginine as the weak base catalyst and CTAB as the template. The synthesized MSN-NH2 particles were highly monodispersed nanospheres with a particle diameter lower than 50nm and a pore size approximately 2–4nm. MSN-NH2 particles were utilized as the adsorbent for a removal of Cu2+ and Fe2+ ions from aqueous solutions. MSN-NH2 possessed higher adsorption efficiency towards Cu2+ than Fe2 ions with the removal efficiency of Cu2+as high as 99%. Adsorption isotherm showed that Langmuir model was suitably described the adsorption behaviors of Cu2+ and Fe2+ on MSN-NH2. Thermodynamic study indicated that the adsorptions of Cu2+ and Fe2+ on MSN-NH2 were spontaneous process and were primarily governed by a physical adsorption.

Fast solid-phase extraction of N-linked glycopeptides by amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles.

Selective enrichment is a crucial step before the mass spectrometric analysis of glycoproteins. A new approach using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-functionalized mesoporous silica materials (SBA-15) was reported to enrich the glycoproteins. Selective extraction of glycopeptides was achieved through coupling the oxidized glycan chains on the glycopeptides with the amine groups on SBA-15 through a reductive amination reaction, then the captured glycopeptides were detached from the SBA-15 for the following MS analysis using the enzyme PNGase F. Because the mesoporous material has a confinement effect, the efficiency of enrichment and enzymatic deglycosylation was improved dramatically. The coupling time was shortened from 4 hours to 1 hour, and the deglycosylation time was greatly shortened from 6 hours to 3 hours. This approach was successfully applied to profile the N-glycoproteome of human colorectal cancer serum. 84 N-linked glycosylation sites from 56 N-linked glycoproteins were identified from as little as 5 μL serum.

Mesoporous Silica Materials in Drug Delivery System: pH/Glutathione- Responsive Release of Poorly Water-Soluble Pro-drug Quercetin from Two and Three-dimensional Pore-Structure Nanoparticles

Quercetin (Quer) is one of natural products (pro-drugs), presenting pharmacological properties such as: anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. However, poor solubility of the Quer causes its poor bioavailability, and consequently reduces its therapeutic efficiency. To manage this problem, different actions are undertaken, among other drug delivery systems (DDSs) are investigated. The objective of present work was to evaluate potential applications of silica nanoparticles as quercetin nanocarriers and to investigate the influence of pH conditions and glutathione (GSH, as non-redox process) concentrations on quercetin release. Two types of mesoporous silica nanoparticles: MCM-41 (2D arrangement of pores) and KCC-1 (3D arrangement of pores) were synthesized and then functionalized by amino-groups. Immersion-evaporation method was used to load the Quer in nanoparticles. Several analysis techniques were used (e.g. electron microscopy, X-Ray diffraction, Zeta potential, simultaneous thermal analysis-connected to FTIR and many more). Obtained results indicated that both types of silica nanoparticles were successfully loaded with quercetin, and that the Quer present in silica mesopores had a non-crystalline structure. Loading capacity of functionalized MCM-41 was slightly higher than functionalized KCC-1 (29.11 wt% and 26.49 wt%, respectively). This difference could be attributed to the differences in the morphology structures such as surface area and pore volume property. From in vitro release and kinetics studies, the results showed that quercetin release from both materials was pH-GSH-silica type nanoparticles-dependent. In summary, it can be stated that pH/GSH-stimuli release of quercetin was achieved using MCM-41 and KCC-1 amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a drug carriers. Therefore both investigated nanomaterials could be beneficial for long-term release