Release Kinetic Profiles Research Articles

Characterization and Evaluation of Controlled Antimicrobial Release from Petrochemical (PU) and Biodegradable (PHB) Packaging.

The academic exploration and technology design of active packaging are coherently supplying innovative approaches for enhancing the quality and safety of food, as well as prolonging their shelf-life. With the object of comparison between two barrier materials, such as stable petrochemical polyurethane (PU), (BASF), and biodegradable natural poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), (Biomer Co., Krailling, Germany), the study of antibacterial agent release has been performed. For the characterization of polymer surface morphology and crystallinity, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used respectively. The antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine digluconate (CHD) has been estimated by the Bauer–Kirby Disk Diffusion Test. It was shown that the kinetic release profiles of CHD, as the active agent, in both polymers, significantly differed due to the superposition of diffusion and surface degradation in poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB). To emphasize the special transport phenomena in polymer packaging, the diffusivity modeling was performed and the CHD diffusion coefficients for the plane films of PU and PHB were further compared. The benefit of active biodegradable packaging on the base of PHB is discussed.

Gentamicin-Releasing Mesoporous ZnO Structures.

Among metal oxides, zinc oxide (ZnO) is one of the most attractive materials thanks to its biocompatible and biodegradable properties along with the existence of various morphologies featuring piezoelectric, semiconducting and photocatalytic activities. All of these structures were successfully prepared and tested for numerous applications, including optoelectronics, sensors and biomedical ones. In the last case, biocompatible ZnO nanomaterials positively influenced cells growth and tissue regeneration as well, promoting wound healing and new bone formation. Despite showing high surface areas, ZnO morphologies generally lack an intrinsic mesoporous structure, strongly limiting the investigation of the corresponding drug loading and release properties. Within this scope, this study focuses on the adsorption and release properties of high surface area, mesoporous ZnO structures using gentamicin sulfate (GS), a well known antibiotic against bacterial infections especially in orthopedics. The particular ZnO morphology was achieved starting from sputtered porous zinc layers, finally converted into ZnO by thermal oxidation. By taking advantage of this mesoporous framework, GS was successfully adsorbed within the ZnO matrix and the kinetic release profile evaluated for up to seven days. The adsorption of GS was successfully demonstrated, with a maximum amount of 263 mg effectively loaded per gram of active material. Then, fast kinetic release was obtained in vitro by simple diffusion mechanism, thus opening further possibilities of smart pore and surface engineering to improve the controlled delivery.

Design and characterization of calcium-free in-situ gel formulation based on sodium alginate and chitosan

The aim of this study was to prepare and evaluate calcium-free sustained release drug delivery systems, based on the in-situ gelation of oral suspensions containing chitosan, sodium alginate and Ranitidine as drug model. The combined effects of polymer concentrations and their interactions on the rheological characteristics of both gels and suspensions and, on the kinetics of drug release were evaluated by using a central composite face-centered design. Rheological analysis showed that suspensions were potentially stable, with a viscosity increased by 1000 times compared to that of water. In addition, the obtained gels were consistent; their storage modulus could reach values close to 50 kPa when alginate concentration was greater than 7.5 g/100 mL and chitosan was fixed to 0.5 g/100 mL. In these conditions gels should have a higher gastric residence time, in comparison to the standard gastric emptying time (∼2 h). Evaluation of the in-vitro release kinetics of Ranitidine showed that the association of the lowest concentration of chitosan (0.5 g/100 mL) with higher alginate concentrations generates sustained release kinetics profiles. The time corresponding to 63% of release was found close to 1.5 h, in which case the process is governed by Fickian diffusion. Finally, calcium-free alginate-chitosan based on the in-situ gelation of suspensions is advantageous as a drug delivery system for sustained-release.

Enrichment of cellulose acetate nanofibre assemblies for therapeutic delivery of l-tryptophan

The essential amino acid l-tryptophan is naturally present in the body, and is also available as a water soluble dietary supplement. The feasibility of preparing enriched cellulose acetate (CA)-based fibres as a vehicle for therapeutic delivery of such biomolecules was investigated. A new ternary solvent system consisting of acetone: N,N-dimethylacetamide: methanol (2:1:2) has been demonstrated to permit the solution blending of CA with the water soluble l-tryptophan. Nanofibrous webs substantially free of structural defects were continuously produced with mean fibre diameters in the range of 520–1010nm, dependent on process parameters. Morphology and diameter of fibres were influenced by concentration of CA spinning solution, applied voltage and flow rates. The kinetic release profile of l-tryptophan from electrospun CA nanofibres was described by the pseudo-second order kinetic model. Fibres with mean diameter of 720nm provide both the highest initial desorption rate and rate constant, which was partially attributed to the low fibre diameter and high relative surface area, but also the fact that the 720nm fibres produced were the most bead-free, providing diffusion advantages over the fibres with lowest mean diameter (520nm). The feasibility of combining l-tryptophan within fibres provides a promising route for manufacture of transdermal delivery devices.

Understanding Drug Release Data through Thermodynamic Analysis.

Understanding the factors that can modify the drug release profile of a drug from a Drug-Delivery-System (DDS) is a mandatory step to determine the effectiveness of new therapies. The aim of this study was to assess the Amphotericin-B (AmB) kinetic release profiles from polymeric systems with different compositions and geometries and to correlate these profiles with the thermodynamic parameters through mathematical modeling. Film casting and electrospinning techniques were used to compare behavior of films and fibers, respectively. Release profiles from the DDSs were performed, and the mathematical modeling of the data was carried out. Activation energy, enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs free energy of the drug release process were determined. AmB release profiles showed that the relationship to overcome the enthalpic barrier was PVA-fiber > PVA-film > PLA-fiber > PLA-film. Drug release kinetics from the fibers and the films were better fitted on the Peppas–Sahlin and Higuchi models, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters corroborate these findings, revealing that the AmB release from the evaluated systems was an endothermic and non-spontaneous process. Thermodynamic parameters can be used to explain the drug kinetic release profiles. Such an approach is of utmost importance for DDS containing insoluble compounds, such as AmB, which is associated with an erratic bioavailability.

Docetaxel-Loaded Nanoparticles Assembled from β-Cyclodextrin/Calixarene Giant Surfactants: Physicochemical Properties and Cytotoxic Effect in Prostate Cancer and Glioblastoma Cells.

Giant amphiphiles encompassing a hydrophilic β-cyclodextrin (βCD) component and a hydrophobic calix[4]arene (CA4) module undergo self-assembly in aqueous media to afford core-shell nanospheres or nanocapsules, depending on the nanoprecipitation protocol, with high docetaxel (DTX) loading capacity. The blank and loaded nanoparticles have been fully characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), ζ-potential measurements and cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). The data are compatible with the distribution of the drug between the nanoparticle core and the shell, where it is probably anchored by inclusion of the DTX aromatic moieties in βCD cavities. Indeed, the release kinetics profiles evidenced an initial fast release of the drug, which likely accounts for the fraction hosted on the surface, followed by a slow and sustained release rate, corresponding to diffusion of DTX in the core, which can be finely tuned by modification of the giant amphiphile chemical structure. The ability of the docetaxel-loaded nanoparticles to induce cellular death in different prostate (human LnCap and PC3) and glioblastoma (human U87 and rat C6) cells was also explored. Giant amphiphile-based DTX formulations surpassing or matching the antitumoral activity of the free DTX formulation were identified in all cases with no need to employ any organic co-solvent, thus overcoming the DTX water solubility problems. Moreover, the presence of the βCD shell at the surface of the assemblies is intended to impart stealth properties against serum proteins while permitting nanoparticle surface decoration by supramolecular approaches, paving the way for a new generation of molecularly well-defined antitumoral drug delivery systems with improved specificity and efficiency. Altogether, the results provide a proof of concept of the suitability of the approach based on βCD-CA4 giant amphiphiles to access DTX carriers with tunable properties.

Difference in release kinetics of unwashed and washed platelet-released supernatants from bone substitute materials: the impact of platelet preparation modalities.

In regenerative dentistry, platelet preparations are applied to stimulate bone healing and periodontal regeneration. Here, we pursue a strategy where bone substitutes are used as carriers for platelet-released supernatants. The mitogenic capacity and release kinetics of loaded bone substitutes were assessed. Platelet-released supernatants of washed platelets (washed PRS) and platelet-released supernatants of unwashed platelets (unwashed PRS) were lyophilized onto the bone substitutes deproteinized bovine bone mineral, hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate. Scanning electron microscopy images were taken. Supernatants of bone substitutes were collected at hours 1, 3, 6, 24, and 48 and medium was replaced. We evaluated the protein content with the bicinchoninic acid assay and the effect on proliferation using bioassays with human periodontal fibroblasts. Release of growth factors from the loaded bone substitutes was measured based on the platelet-derived growth factor isoform (PDGF-BB) and thrombin immunoassays. Furthermore, we assessed DNA and RNA content of washed PRS and unwashed PRS. Unwashed PRS showed higher total protein concentrations than washed PRS, while the concentration of PDGF-BB, thrombin, DNA, RNA and their mitogenic effect was not significantly different. The bone substitute materials adsorbed protein over time but no significant changes in overall appearance was found. Supernatants collected from unwashed PRS-loaded bone substitute after 1 h induced a potent mitogenic response in periodontal fibroblasts. This pro-mitogenic capacity of the supernatants decreased over the observation period. Supernatants of washed PRS-loaded bone substitutes did not induce a substantial mitogenic effect. Levels of PDGF-BB, thrombin and protein were higher in supernatants of unwashed PRS-loaded bone substitutes than of washed PRS-loaded bone substitutes. Bone substitutes loaded with unwashed PRS, but not bone substitutes loaded with washed PRS show continuously declining release kinetics. These data suggest that plasma components in platelet preparations can modify the release kinetics profile.

Development of a Prolonged-Release Drug Delivery System with Magnolol Loaded in Amino-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica

Magnolol (MG) is a small-molecule neolignan polyphenolic compound isolated from the genus Magnolia. The anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-diabetic, anti-tumorgenic, anti-neurodegenerative, anti-depressant and anti-microbial properties of MG are well documented in recent literature. These fascinating multiple biological activities of MG encourage research about the development of new delivery and administration approaches able to maximize its potential benefits. This study describes the amino-functionalization of the SBA-15 (Santa Barbara Amorphous) mesoporous matrix by post-synthesis grafting using APTES (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane) and the characterization of amino-functionalized mesoporous silica SBA-15 loaded with MG in order to achieve modified drug delivery systems. The amino-functionalization of silica SBA-15 was carried out by grafting by refluxing in dry toluene. The powders obtained were characterized texturally by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis measurements and morphologically by scanning electron microscopy. MG loading degree in the nanoporous matrix was determined by the HPLC method at λ = 290 nm. Results showed that by grafting the amino groups in the silica SBA-15, we obtained amino-functionalized silica SBA-15 with an ordered structure, with specific surfaces and pore sizes that differ from the original matrix, which was reflected in the amount of MG immobilized and release kinetics profile.

Aptamer-based liposomes improve specific drug loading and release

Aptamer technology has shown much promise in cancer therapeutics for its targeting abilities. However, its potential to improve drug loading and release from nanocarriers has not been thoroughly explored. In this study, we employed drug-binding aptamers to actively load drugs into liposomes. We designed a series of DNA aptamer sequences specific to doxorubicin, displaying multiple binding sites and various binding affinities. The binding ability of aptamers was preserved when incorporated into cationic liposomes, binding up to 15equivalents of doxorubicin per aptamer, therefore drawing the drug into liposomes. Optimization of the charge and drug/aptamer ratios resulted in ≥80% encapsulation efficiency of doxorubicin, ten times higher than classical passively-encapsulating liposomal formulations and similar to a pH-gradient active loading strategy. In addition, kinetic release profiles and cytotoxicity assay on HeLa cells demonstrated that the release and therapeutic efficacy of liposomal doxorubicin could be controlled by the aptamer's structure. Our results suggest that the aptamer exhibiting a specific intermediate affinity is the best suited to achieve high drug loading while maintaining efficient drug release and therapeutic activity. This strategy was successfully applied to tobramycin, a hydrophilic drug suffering from low encapsulation into liposomes, where its loading was improved six-fold using aptamers. Overall, we demonstrate that aptamers could act, in addition to their targeting properties, as multifunctional excipients for liposomal formulations.

Multifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles for cancer-targeted, controlled drug delivery and imaging

Ordered mesoporous silica materials exhibit potential features to be used as multifunctional nanostructured drug delivery systems due to their biocompatibility, as well as to their textural and structural properties. Moreover, combining mesoporous silica nanoparticles and 64Cu becomes this system promising as theranostic device for early stage cancers since radioisotope carriers could be able to act in the treatment and imaging diagnosis simultaneously. In this paper, a multifunctional nanotheranostic system based on MCM-41 was prepared through post-synthesis functionalization of mesoporous silica MCM-41 with the tumor-homing peptide CREKA and DTPA, a ligand for copper ions. The obtained material was characterized by different techniques in order to investigate its physical-chemical properties. Additionally, the nanoparticles were loaded with the clinically approved anticancer drug methotrexate and the drug release kinetics profile was investigated. As a proof-of-concept, we also demonstrated successful activation of copper ions in a nuclear reactor to the radionuclide 64Cu. Besides, cell viability assays were conducted to prove the potential of the nanoparticles to be used for in vivo studies and to show that they do not affect the pharmacological action of MTX. Taken together, we believe that the multifunctional silica-based theranostic system could serve as a platform for cancer-targeted, controlled drug delivery and PET imaging to be applied in cancer therapy.

Vitamin B3 metal-organic frameworks as potential delivery vehicles for therapeutic nitric oxide.

The synthesis and structural characterization of two isostructural metal (M=Ni, Co) 3D framework structure that integrate vitamin B3 building blocks with NO delivery capabilities and low toxicity is presented. The compounds with a formula [M2(μ2-H2O)(μ-vitamin B3)4]·2H2O contain two crystallographic distinct divalent metal centres connected by a bridging water and carboxylate group from vitamin B3. The porous compounds have the capability of storing and releasing nitric oxide (NO) in a slow and reversible manner, with released amounts of 2.6 and 2.0μmol NOmgsolid-1, on the Ni and Co compound, respectively. The NO release followed a convenient slow release kinetic profile in both gas and liquid phases. Haemoglobin tests demonstrated that NO is released to the medium in a biologically active form, thus suitable to trigger the desired response in biological systems. The toxicity of the samples with and without loaded NO was evaluated from cytotoxicity tests in HeLa and HEKn cells, showing low toxicity of the compounds at concentrations below 180μgcm-3. The overall results indicate that these bio based MOFs are of interest for therapeutic applications related with NO delivery. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE.

Optimizing Delivery Characteristics of Curcumin as a Model Drug via Tailoring Mean Diameter Ranges of Cellulose Beads

Spherical cellulose beads with tailored mean diameter between micrometer (20–80 μm) and nanometer (40–200 nm) ranges were fabricated from regenerated cellulose of paper wastes via water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion and nanoprecipitation processes, respectively. The mean diameter ranges of cellulose beads were precisely controlled via modulating fabrication parameters such as stirring speed, surfactant concentration, cellulose concentration, and reaction temperature. By tailoring their mean diameter ranges and using curcumin as a model drug, cellulose beads with enhanced loading capacities and optimized release kinetic profiles of curcumin were fabricated.

Porous Cellulose Beads Fabricated from Regenerated Cellulose as Potential Drug Delivery Carriers

Highly porous cellulose beads (CBs) of various mean sizes were successfully prepared from regenerated cellulose of paper wastes. The drug delivery characteristics of CBs with different mean sizes were investigated using curcumin as the model drug under controlled conditions. The loading capacity and efficiency of curcumin onto CBs were substantially influenced by factors such as their morphological characteristics, curcumin concentration, and duration of loading. The release kinetic profiles of curcumin from CBs of different mean sizes were investigated in media of pH values resembling digestive juices and intestinal fluids. Release kinetic models were used to simulate and elucidate release kinetics and mechanisms of curcumin from CBs under specific conditions. The loading capacity and efficiency of curcumin onto CBs could be enhanced via the optimization of curcumin solution concentration and the morphological characteristics of CBs, whereas the release kinetic profiles of curcumin from CBs could be modulated by varying the mean diameter of CBs. Optimized CBs derived from regenerated cellulose of paper wastes are potentially useful as cost-effective drug delivery carriers.

Polydopamine and peptide decorated doxorubicin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a targeted drug delivery system for bladder cancer therapy

We reported a simple polydopamine (PDA)-based surface modification method to prepare novel targeted doxorubicin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles and peptide CSNRDARRC conjugation (DOX-loaded MSNs@PDA-PEP) for enhancing the therapeutic effects on bladder cancer. Drug-loaded NPs were characterized in terms of size, size distribution, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and drug loading content. In vitro drug release indicated that DOX-loaded MSNs@PDA and MSNs@PDA-PEP had similar release kinetic profiles of DOX. The PDA coating well controlled DOX release and was highly sensitive to pH value. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) showed that drug-loaded MSNs could be internalized by human bladder cancer cell line HT-1376, and DOX-loaded MSNs@PDA-PEP had the highest cellular uptake efficiency due to ligand–receptor recognition. The antitumor effects of DOX-loaded nanoparticles were evaluated by the MTT assay in vitro and by a xenograft tumor model in vivo, demonstrating that targeted nanocarriers DOX-loaded MSNs@PDA-PEP were significantly superior to free DOX and DOX-loaded MSNs@PDA. The novel DOX-loaded MSNs@PDA-PEP, which specifically recognized HT-1376 cells, can be used as a potential targeted drug delivery system for bladder cancer therapy.

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) Acid-Chitosan Dual Loaded Nanoparticles for Antiretroviral Nanoformulations.

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) chitosan (CS) coated nanoparticles (NPs) were loaded with two antiretrovirals (ARVs) either lamivudine (LMV) which is hydrophilic or nevirapine (NVP) which is hydrophobic or both LMV and NVP. These ARVs are of importance in resource-limited settings, where they are commonly used in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) treatment due to affordability and accessibility. NPs prepared by a water-oil-water emulsion and reduced pressure solvent evaporation technique were determined to have a positive zeta potential, a capsule-like morphology, and an average hydrodynamic diameter of 240 nm. Entrapment of NVP as a single ARV had a notable increase in NP size compared to LMV alone or in combination with LMV. NPs stored at room temperature in distilled water maintained size, polydispersity (PDI), and zeta potential for one year. No changes in size, PDI, and zeta potential were observed for NPs in 10% sucrose in lyophilized or nonlyophilized states stored at 4°C and −20°C, respectively. Freezing NPs in the absence of sucrose increased NP size. Drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, and kinetic release profiles were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Our novel nanoformulations have the potential to improve patient outcomes and expand drug access in resource-limited countries for the treatment of HIV-1.

Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticle Integrated Photo-responsive Liposomes and Measurement of Their Microbubble Cavitation upon Pulse Laser Excitation.

Photo-responsive nanoparticles (NPs) have received considerable attention because of their potential in providing spatial, temporal, and dosage control over the drug release. However, most of the relevant technologies are still in the development process and are unprocurable by clinics. Here, we describe a facile fabrication of these photo-responsive NPs with commercially available gold NPs and thermo-responsive liposomes. Calcein is used as a model drug to evaluate the encapsulation efficiency and the release kinetic profile upon heat/light stimulation. Finally, we show that this photo-triggered release is due to the membrane disruption caused by microbubble cavitation, which can be measured with hydrophone.

Fabrication of Cellulose Aerogel from Sugarcane Bagasse as Drug Delivery Carriers

Currently most of the aerogel-based drug delivery carriers are made from non-biodegradable materials, such as silica. In this study, highly porous cellulose aerogels with Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface areas that varied between 22 m2 g-1 and 525 m2 g-1 were prepared from a sugarcane bagasse cellulose solution of various concentrations. The potential utility of cellulose aerogels as controlled release carriers was evaluated by loading methylene blue (MB) as a model hydrophilic drug. The MB loading capacity and release kinetic profiles of cellulose aerogels were observed to be substantially influenced by their BET surface areas. Under optimum conditions, a maximum loading capacity of 6.4 mg MB mg-1 cellulose aerogel was achieved with sustained release of MB from cellulose aerogels at physiological pH over a period of 23 h

Interpenetrating Polymer Networks of Poly(Acrylic Acid) and Polyacrylamide for Sustained Verapamil Hydrochloride Release

SummaryInterpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and polyacrylamide (PAAm) were synthesized and applied as drug delivery systems for verapamil hydrochloride (VPM). The IPN network density was controlled by changing IPN composition. Thus, when increasing the PAAm to PAA weight ratio, the network density increases as revealed by the equilibrium swelling ratio and microhardness measurements. The SEM study of the IPNs’ morphology showed phase separation at nano level where PAAm domains with size below 100 nm are finely dispersed into the PAA matrix. The thermal study on the IPNs confirmed that both components are finely mixed as one Tg was detected for all IPNs’ compositions. Tg vs. composition dependence obeyed the Gordon–Taylor equation and deviated negatively from the Fox equation thus confirming weak interactions between PAA and PAAm. The VPM loading into PAA/PAAm IPNs resulted into amorphization of the drug as well as in a IPNs’ Tg increase as revealed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The in vitro release of VPM shows that the IPNs of PAA/PAAm are suitable systems for sustained drug delivery. It was established that by changing IPNs’ composition it is possible to obtain different drug release kinetic profiles.

Nanoassemblies Based on Supramolecular Complexes of Nonionic Amphiphilic Cyclodextrin and Sorafenib as Effective Weapons to Kill Human HCC Cells.

Sorafenib (Sor), an effective chemiotherapeutic drug utilized against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), robustly interacts with nonionic amphiphilic cyclodextrin (aCD, SC6OH), forming, in aqueous solution, supramolecular complexes that behave as building blocks of highly water-dispersible colloidal nanoassemblies. SC6OH/Sor complex has been characterized by complementary spectroscopic techniques, such as UV-vis, steady-state fluorescence and anisotropy, resonance light scattering and (1)H NMR. The spectroscopic evidences and experiments carried out in the presence of an adamantane derivative, which competes with drug for CD cavity, agree with the entrapment of Sor in aCD, pointing out the role of the aCD cavity in the interaction between drug and amphiphile. Nanoassemblies based on SC6OH/Sor display size of ∼200 nm, negative zeta-potential (ζ = -11 mV), and both maximum loading capacity (LC ∼ 17%) and entrapment efficiency (EE ∼ 100%). Kinetic release profiles show a slower release of Sor from nanoassemblies with respect to the free drug. SC6OH/Sor nanoassemblies have very low hemolytic activity and high efficiency in vitro in decreasing cell growth and viability of HCC cell lines, such as HepG2, Hep3B, and PLC/PRF/5, opening promising chances to their in vivo applications.

Mesoporous silica materials functionalized with folic acid: preparation, characterization and release profile study with methotrexate

Ordered mesoporous silica materials exhibit potential features to be used as controlled drug delivery systems, including biocompatibility, textural and structural properties. In this paper, ordered mesoporous materials SBA-15, SBA-16 and MCM-41, which present different morphologies, pore sizes and array of mesopores (2D hexagonal, 3D cubic and 2D hexagonal, respectively), were synthesized, functionalized with folic acid by post-synthesis grafting and loaded with the anticancer agent methotrexate. The drug loading and its release kinetics profile were compared between all materials. The mesoporous silicas were characterized through thermogravimetric analysis, CHN elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, N2 adsorption, zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy in order to evaluate their physical–chemical properties. The interactions between methotrexate and the materials’ surface were systematically evaluated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed the drug release kinetic might be controlled by the synthesis procedure and the degree of surface functionalization of the mesoporous silica.