Potential Of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Research Articles

Potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles for the delivery of anticancer bioactive compounds

The potential for dosing anticancer target molecules of silica nanoparticles with ordered mesoporosity (SiMONPs), 28 nm in diameter and surface area of 706 m2/g, was evaluated by the loading and release of carvacrol, chloroquine, and rhodamine-B. The ligand–protein interaction (BRAF oncogene) was determined by docking. The fine structure of the SiMONPs with nanometric porosity allowed a slow and progressive release according to the passive diffusion mechanism. The most favorable anticancer interaction was displayed by carvacrol with a ligand efficiency value of −6.7 kcal/mol. At the same time, chloroquine and rhodamine-B had values of −5.0 kcal/mol and −3.4 kcal/mol, severally. The target displayed a “preference” to interact first with the SiMONPs rather than with carvacrol. The material could be dosed at 0.0009 mg/h for a week under PBS medium conditions, so the material resulted suitable for dosing and controlling the growth of skin cancer cells.

One-pot Synthesis of FITC-Doped Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Cellular Imaging

This study aimed to develop, evaluate and analyse the potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles doped with fluorescein isothiocyanate (MSNFITC) as an agent for bioimaging. The synthesis of MSNFITC nanoparticles was achieved by using a CTAB formaldehyde method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM) were employed to conduct a detailed characterization of the size and morphology of MSNFITC. The efficacy of dye doping was validated via fluorescence and UV absorbance spectroscopy. The produced MSNFITC had a uniform size distribution (65.5 ± 0.825nm) and a spherical shape. Spectroscopic investigations showed distinct peaks at 495 nm (absorbance) and 520 nm (fluorescence emission), indicative of FITC. Biocompatibility experiments on HeLa cells, even exposed to high concentrations (100 μg/mL) of MSNFITC, showed minimal cytotoxicity effects. Furthermore, the effective uptake of nanoparticles by HeLa cells was demonstrated through a strong green fluorescence signal that is distinctive for FITC. Given their advantageous features and biocompatibility with living organisms, the MSNFITC nanoparticles can potentially be highly effective agents for studying cells through bioimaging.

Formulation development and characterization of luliconazole loaded−mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MCM−48) as topical hydrogel for the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis

The conventional formulation of luliconazole (LCZ) faces challenges such as poor solubility and limited skin retention upon application. Therefore, the focus of this research was to develop and characterize mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) that can effectively deliver luliconazole for the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis fungal infection.The MSNs were optimized by central composite design and synthesized using the sol−gel method. Factors such as stirring time and surfactant ratio were varied to investigate their impact on particle size and Polydispersity index (PDI). Subsequently, the MSN surface was functionalized with both amine (positively charged) and phosphonate groups (negatively charged) using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and 3trihydroxysilyl propyl methylphosphonate (THMP).The efficacy of the optimized luliconazole−loaded MSNs was evaluated through various comparative studies, including in-vitro and in-vivo antifungal assessments, ex-vivo permeation and skin retention experiments, acute dermal irritation tests, and histopathological analysis. These evaluations were compared with the pure drug and a commercially available formulation.The optimized MSNs exhibited high porosity and spherical particle sizes ranging from 300 to 400 nm. They demonstrated excellent physical and chemical stability, indicating compatibility between the drug and the MSN structure. The successful loading of luliconazole into the nanopores of the MSNs was confirmed through Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) analysis.The luliconazole−loaded MSN (LCZ−MSN) gel exhibited a controlled release profile, sustaining drug release for up to 24 h. The solubility of the drug was 12 times higher compared to the free form, and the MSNs enhanced skin retention by six−fold compared to the pure drug. In an in-vivo cutaneous candidiasis rat model, the enhanced efficacy of the MSNs was evident, highlighting the potential of this innovative approach for controlled release and solubility enhancement of poorly soluble drugs, with no observed skin irritation.Overall, this research showcases the potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a promising approach for controlled delivery and improved solubility of poorly soluble drugs like luliconazole, thereby addressing the challenges associated with conventional formulations and offering a novel strategy for treating cutaneous candidiasis fungal infection.

Correction to: Unlocking the potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles in breast cancer treatment

Correction to: Unlocking the potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles in breast cancer treatment

Unlocking the potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles in breast cancer treatment

Unlocking the potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles in breast cancer treatment

Inactivation of planktonic cells and inhibitory effect on post-treatment biofilm formation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by photodynamic treatment with IR780 iodide loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles and near infrared light

The rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health. In the search for new treatment approaches that can eradicate pathogens without inducing drug-resistant strains, photodynamic therapy stands as a promising one. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial photodynamic potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) loaded with IR780 iodide on one of the most common multidrug-resistant bacteria both in hospitals and in the community, which is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with IR780 iodide were synthesized, their photodynamic and photothermal properties were examined, and their antimicrobial photodynamic potential against one methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), and one MRSA strain was investigated. Irradiation was achieved via a 785 nm diode laser (500 mW/cm2, 5 min). Viable bacterial cells were counted by serial dilution method. The post-treatment biofilm recurring ability of MRSA was assessed 24 h post-PDT treatment using Crystal Violet assay. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of post-treatment biofilms was acquired. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (p ≤ 0.05). Results revealed that mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with IR780 iodide-mediated photodynamic therapy were effective in killing both tested strains. The antimicrobial effect was stronger on MRSA, in which 99.97% of photokilling (3.54 log reduction) was observed. The killing was mainly due to the photodynamic action of the nanoparticles. Post-treatment biofilm recurring ability of MRSA was much less in the treated group than that of the control group (50% inhibition), as confirmed by both optical density at 570 nm (OD570) measurement, and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) imaging.

Preparation, Characterization, and Environmental Safety Assessment of Dithiocarbazate Loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles.

Dithiocarbazates comprise an important class of Schiff bases with remarkable biological applications due to the imine group present in their structure. However, full exploitation of the biological activity of 3-methyl-5-phenyl-pyrazoline-1-(S-benzyldithiocarbazate) (DTC) is limited due to its easy degradation and poor solubility in aqueous solutions. The loading of DTC into mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSiNPs) can be an excellent strategy to improve the solubility of DTC in the aqueous medium. Therefore, the main goal of the present work was to design MSiNP-DTC and to evaluate the success of the loading process by measuring its physicochemical properties and evaluating the environmental safety of the new DTC formulation using different aquatic organisms, such as the microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata, the macrophyte Lemna minor, and the marine bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri. DTC, MSiNP, and MSiNP-DTC concentrations ranging from 8.8 to 150 mg L-1 were tested for all the species, showing low toxicity against aquatic organisms. Loading DTC into MSiNPs caused a slight increase in the toxicity at the concentrations tested, only allowing for the estimation of the effect concentration causing a 20% reduction in bioluminescence or growth rate (EC20). Therefore, despite the potential of MSiNPs as a drug delivery system (DDS), it is of utmost importance to assess its impact on the safety of the new formulations.

Toxicity Assessment of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles upon Intravenous Injection in Mice: Implications for Drug Delivery.

Nanoparticles are popular tools utilized to selectively deliver drugs and contrast agents for identification and treatment of disease. To determine the usefulness and translational potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), further evaluations of toxicity are required. MSNs are among the most utilized nano-delivery systems due to ease of synthesis, pore structure, and functionalization. This study aims to elucidate toxicity as a result of intravenous injection of 25 nm MSNs coated with chitosan (C) or polyethylene glycol (PEG) in mice. Following acute and chronic injections, blood was evaluated for standard blood chemistry and complete blood count analyses. Blood chemistry results primarily indicated that no abnormalities were present following acute or chronic injections of MSNs, or C/PEG-coated MSNs. After four weekly administered treatments, vital organs showed minor exacerbation of pre-existing lesions in the 35KPEG-MSN and moderate exacerbation of pre-existing lesions in uncoated MSN and 2KPEG-MSN treatment groups. In contrast, C-MSN treatment groups had minimal changes compared to controls. This study suggests 25 nm MSNs coated with chitosan should elicit minimal toxicity when administered as either single or multiple intravenous injections, but MSNs coated with PEG, especially 2KPEG may exacerbate pre-existing vascular conditions. Further studies should evaluate varying sizes and types of nanoparticles to provide a better overall understanding on the relation between nanoparticles and in vivo toxicity.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles for pulmonary drug delivery.

Over the last years, respiratory diseases represent a clinical concern, being included among the leading causes of death in the world due to the lack of effective lung therapies, mainly ascribed to the pulmonary barriers affecting the delivery of drugs to the lungs. In this way, nanomedicine has arisen as a promising approach to overcome the limitations of current therapies for pulmonary diseases. The use of nanoparticles allows enhancing drug bioavailability at the target site while minimizing undesired side effects. Despite different approaches have been developed for pulmonary delivery of drugs, including the use of polymers, lipid-based nanoparticles, and inorganic nanoparticles, more efforts are required to achieve effective pulmonary drug delivery. This review provides an overview of the clinical challenges in main lung diseases, as well as highlighted the role of nanomedicine in achieving efficient pulmonary drug delivery. Drug delivery into the lungs is a complex process limited by the anatomical, physiological and immunological barriers of the respiratory system. We discuss how nanomedicine can be useful to overcome these pulmonary barriers and give insights for the rational design of future nanoparticles for enhancing lung treatments. We also attempt herein to display more in detail the potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as promising nanocarrier for pulmonary drug delivery by providing a comprehensive overview of their application in lung delivery to date while discussing the use of these particles for the treatment of respiratory diseases.

Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: Properties and Strategies for Enhancing Clinical Effect.

Due to the theragnostic potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), these were extensively investigated as a novel approach to improve clinical outcomes. Boasting an impressive array of formulations and modifications, MSNs demonstrate significant in vivo efficacy when used to identify or treat myriad malignant diseases in preclinical models. As MSNs continue transitioning into clinical trials, a thorough understanding of the characteristics of effective MSNs is necessary. This review highlights recent discoveries and advances in MSN understanding and technology. Specific focus is given to cancer theragnostic approaches using MSNs. Characteristics of MSNs such as size, shape, and surface properties are discussed in relation to effective nanomedicine practice and projected clinical efficacy. Additionally, tumor-targeting options used with MSNs are presented with extensive discussion on active-targeting molecules. Methods for decreasing MSN toxicity, improving site-specific delivery, and controlling release of loaded molecules are further explained. Challenges facing the field and translation to clinical environments are presented alongside potential avenues for continuing investigations.

Corrigendum to “Evaluating the inherent osteogenic and angiogenic potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles to augment vascularized bone tissue formation” [Microporous Mesoporous Mater, 311, 2021, 110687

Corrigendum to “Evaluating the inherent osteogenic and angiogenic potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles to augment vascularized bone tissue formation” [Microporous Mesoporous Mater, 311, 2021, 110687

Evaluating the inherent osteogenic and angiogenic potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles to augment vascularized bone tissue formation

In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on inorganic nanomaterials for various applications, such as catalysis, thermal energy storage, biomedical imaging, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. Amongst these, Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles (MSNs) possess an orderly mesoporous structure, large surface area, and pore volume. Hence, MSNs have shown tremendous potential for drug delivery and tissue engineering. In this work, we have studied the potential of pure MSNs for bone tissue engineering applications. Our results show that MSNs were successfully synthesized using a modified sol-gel method. ATR-FTIR spectra, powder XRD pattern, and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the physicochemical nature of the MSNs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images reveal the orderly arrangement and size of the mesoporous structure. In vitro cytotoxicity assays performed using NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells and MG-63 osteosarcoma cells show the cytocompatibility of the synthesized pure MSNs. Furthermore, we confirmed the biocompatibility of the MSNs using in vivo zebrafish toxicity studies. Our results show that MSNs were biocompatible at concentrations as high as 1 mg/ml. Osteogenic activity of the synthesized MSNs were evaluated using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and real-time PCR analysis for the period of 7 days. ALP activity and expression of the osteocalcin gene were significantly higher in the presence of MSNs. Alizarin Red S staining also confirmed the increased calcium mineral deposition in the presence of MSNs. The MSNs showed highest osteogenic activity at 1 mg/ml concentration. Using the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay, we have also shown that the MSNs exhibit proangiogenic activity. Our results show that in the presence of 1 mg/ml MSNs, the number of blood vessels was 3 to 4-fold higher than the control. Based on the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility, osteogenic and proangiogenic activities, it is evident that these MSNs can serve as an ideal new generation biomaterial that can aid in vascularized bone formation.

Organ-restricted vascular delivery of nanoparticles for lung cancer therapy.

Nanoparticle-based targeted drug delivery holds promise for treatment of cancers. However, most approaches fail to be translated into clinical success due to ineffective tumor targeting in vivo. Here, the delivery potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) functionalized with targeting ligands for EGFR and CCR2 is explored in lung tumors. The addition of active targeting ligands on MSNs enhances their uptake in vitro but fails to promote specific delivery to tumors in vivo, when administered systemically via the blood or locally to the lung into immunocompetent murine lung cancer models. Ineffective tumor targeting is due to efficient clearance of the MSNs by the phagocytic cells of the liver, spleen, and lung. These limitations, however, are successfully overcome using a novel organ-restricted vascular delivery (ORVD) approach. ORVD in isolated and perfused mouse lungs of Kras-mutant mice enables effective nanoparticle extravasation from the tumor vasculature into the core of solid lung tumors. In this study, ORVD promotes tumor cell-specific uptake of nanoparticles at cellular resolution independent of their functionalization with targeting ligands. Organ-restricted vascular delivery thus opens new avenues for optimized nanoparticles for lung cancer therapy and may have broad applications for other vascularized tumor types.

Cancer-targeted and intracellular delivery of Bcl-2-converting peptide with functional macroporous silica nanoparticles for biosafe treatment

Therapeutic peptide, NuBCP-9 (N9) as a Bcl-2 functional converter, has been demonstrated to have the remarkable anticancer efficiency in Bcl-2-abundant cancer. However, it faced technical challenges in clinical use, such as the low bioavailability, the easily-destroyed bio-stability, and the insusceptibility to cellular interior. With the potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as the promising delivery vehicle of therapeutic macromolecules, we developed a kind of MSNs with the surface coating of folic acid (FA) for cancer cell targeting and with the macropore loading of N9 peptide for cancer therapy. Our results showed that the functional MSNs had the relatively greater biosafety than the naked MSNs in zebrafish models, leading to less than 30% embryo of death at 200 μg/ml, which could further specifically target the folate receptor (FR)-overexpressed cervical cancer HeLa cells instead of FR-negative normal embryonic kidney HEK 293T cells in a FA-competitive manner. N9 peptide with the delivery of functional MSNs could be internalized by HeLa cells, and co-localized with mitochondria in a Bcl-2-dependent manner. Moreover, N9 peptide delivered by FA-modified MSNs displayed the excellent anticancer efficiency with great selectivity, inducing approximately 52% HeLa cells into apoptosis. In summary, our results illustrated the potential of functional MSNs with large pore size as an efficient nanocarrier for the intracellular delivery of peptide drugs with targeting proteins to realize cancer therapy.

Guiding mesenchymal stem cell differentiation using mesoporous silica nanoparticle-based films

The development of smart interfaces that can guide tissue formation is of great importance in the field of regenerative medicine. Nanoparticles represent an interesting class of materials that can be used to enhance regenerative treatments by enabling close control over surface properties and directing cellular responses. Moreover, nanoparticles can be used to provide temporally controlled delivery of (multiple) biochemical compounds. Here, we exploited the cargo loading and surface functionalization properties of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) to design films that can guide human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) differentiation towards the osteogenic lineage. We developed biocompatible MSN-based films that support stem cell adhesion and proliferation and demonstrated that these MSN films simultaneously allowed efficient local delivery of biomolecules without effecting film integrity. Films loaded with the osteogenesis-stimulating drug dexamethasone (Dex) were able to induce osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs in vitro. Dex delivery from the films led to increased alkaline phosphatase levels and matrix mineralization compared to directly supplementing Dex to the medium. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Dex release kinetics can be modulated using surface modifications with supported lipid bilayers. Together, these data demonstrate that MSN films represent an interesting approach to create biomaterial interfaces with controllable biomolecule release and surface properties to improve the bioactivity of biomaterials. Statement of significanceEngineering surfaces that can control cell and tissue responses is one of the major challenges in biomaterials-based regenerative therapies. Here, we demonstrate the potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as drug-delivering surface coatings. First, we show differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells towards the bone lineage when in contact with MSN films loaded with dexamethasone. Furthermore, we demonstrate that modification of MSNs with supported lipid bilayer allows control over drug release dynamics and cell shape. Given the range of loadable cargos and the tunability of release kinetics, MSN coatings can be used to mimic the sequential appearance of bioactive factors during tissue regeneration, which will ultimately lead to biomaterials with improved bioactivity.

Degradable Drug Carriers: Vanishing Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

The versatile potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as drug delivery agents for cytotoxic or chemically sensitive (macro)molecules has been demonstrated in numerous in vitro and in vi...

Adsorption and Elution of Nucleic Acids: Mesoporous Materials and Methods

Physical protection of nucleic acids from the environment for improved stability through encapsulation or adsorption has been reported using various materials, including liposomes, metal particles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, and polymers. In an extension of that approach, our previous study demonstrated the potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles with and without covalently attached stabilizing reagents, such as sugar and bovine serum albumin, for improving the stability of RNA. The goal of the current study is to evaluate the potential of silicate sorbents bearing chemical functionalities for stabilization of nucleic acid targets. Materials offering charged groups, metal chelating sites, and π-bonding sites are considered. Adsorption and elution of RNA, DNA, and single stranded DNA (ssDNA) are evaluated as is subsequent elution of the bound target. A sorbent functionalized with primary amine groups showed promising results for RNA and ssDNA stabilization. The impact of the sorbents on long term viability the targets is also evaluated. Storage of adsorbed targets at room temperature and 37∘C over a period of 200 d indicates the potential for stabilization of RNA and ssDNA using several of the functionalities. None of the sorbents improved the stability of DNA either under room temperature or 37∘C storage.

Prolonged Dye Release from Mesoporous Silica-Based Imaging Probes Facilitates Long-Term Optical Tracking of Cell Populations In Vivo.

Nanomedicine is gaining ground worldwide in therapy and diagnostics. Novel nanoscopic imaging probes serve as imaging tools for studying dynamic biological processes in vitro and in vivo. To allow detectability in the physiological environment, the nanostructure-based probes need to be either inherently detectable by biomedical imaging techniques, or serve as carriers for existing imaging agents. In this study, the potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles carrying commercially available fluorochromes as self-regenerating cell labels for long-term cellular tracking is investigated. The particle surface is organically modified for enhanced cellular uptake, the fluorescence intensity of labeled cells is followed over time both in vitro and in vivo. The particles are not exocytosed and particles which escaped cells due to cell injury or death are degraded and no labeling of nontargeted cell populations are observed. The labeling efficiency is significantly improved as compared to that of quantum dots of similar emission wavelength. Labeled human breast cancer cells are xenotransplanted in nude mice, and the fluorescent cells can be detected in vivo for a period of 1 month. Moreover, ex vivo analysis reveals fluorescently labeled metastatic colonies in lymph node and rib, highlighting the capability of the developed probes for tracking of metastasis.

Towards multifunctional, targeted drug delivery systems using mesoporous silica nanoparticles – opportunities & challenges

One of the big challenges of medicine today is to deliver drugs specifically to defected cells. Nanoparticulate drug carriers have the potential to answer to this call, as nanoparticles can cross physiological barriers and access different tissues, and also be provided in a targetable form aimed at enhancing cell specificity of the carrier. Recent developments within material science and strong collaborative efforts crossing disciplinary borders have highlighted the potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) for such targeted drug delivery. Here we outline recent advances which in this sense push MSNs to the forefront of drug delivery development. Relatively straightforward inside-out tuning of the vehicles, high flexibility, and potential for sophisticated release mechanisms make these nanostructures promising candidates for targeted drug delivery such as 'smart' cancer therapies. Moreover, due to the large surface area and the controllable surface functionality of MSNs, they can be controllably loaded with large amounts of drugs and coupled to homing molecules to facilitate active targeting, simultaneously carrying traceable (fluorescent or magnetically active) modalities, also making them highly interesting as theragnostic agents. However, the increased relative surface area and small size, and flexible surface functionalization which is beneficially exploited in nanomedicine, consequently also includes potential risks in their interactions with biological systems. Therefore, we also discuss some safety issues regarding MSNs and highlight how different features of the drug delivery platform influence their behaviour in a biological setting. Addressing these burning questions will facilitate the application of MSNs in nanomedicine.

The crystal structure of ice

Cancer is among the most serious diseases characterized by uncontrollable cell growth and spread of abnormal cells. Cancerous cells form tumors that negatively impact the functions of the body, inducing serious malfunctioning leading to fatalities in most cases. Up to now, the effective diagnosis and treatments of cancer have remained a big challenge. Nanotechnology is an emerging field encompassing science, engineering and medicine, which has attracted great attention for cancer therapy in recent years. Among the numerous nanomaterials, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have attracted great attention and are being considered as promising biomedical materials for the development of cancer therapies because of their size tunability, surface functionality, optically transparent properties, low toxicity and high drug loading efficiency. In this review, we first outline the properties and structure of different configurations of MSNs and their subsequent application in the field of cancer theranostics. Thereafter, the potential of MSNs as multifunctional delivery platforms for therapeutic agents and their significance in next generation cancer therapy is discussed.