Silica Nanoparticles Research Articles

Glycocalyx Interactions Modulate the Cellular Uptake of Albumin-Coated Nanoparticles.

Albumin-based nanoparticles (ABNPs) represent promising drug carriers in nanomedicine due to their versatility and biocompatibility, but optimizing their effectiveness in drug delivery requires understanding their interactions with and uptake by cells. Notably, albumin interacts with the cellular glycocalyx, a phenomenon particularly studied in endothelial cells. This observation suggests that the glycocalyx could modulate ABNP uptake and therapeutic efficacy, although this possibility remains unrecognized. In this study, we elucidate the critical role of the glycocalyx in the cellular uptake of a model ABNP system consisting of silica nanoparticles (NPs) coated with native, cationic, and anionic albumin variants (BSA, BSA+, and BSA-). Using various methodologies-including fluorescence anisotropy, dynamic light scattering, microscale thermophoresis, surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, and computer simulations─we found that both BSA and BSA+, but not BSA-, interact with heparin, a model glycosaminoglycan (GAG). To explore the influence of albumin-GAG interactions on NP uptake, we performed comparative uptake studies in wild-type and GAG-mutated Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO), along with complementary approaches such as enzymatic GAG cleavage in wild-type cells, chemical inhibition, and competition assays with exogenous heparin. We found that the glycocalyx enhances the cell uptake of NPs coated with BSA and BSA+, while serving as a barrier to the uptake of NPs coated with BSA-. Furthermore, we showed that harnessing albumin-GAG interactions increases cancer cell death induced by paclitaxel-loaded albumin-coated NPs. These findings underscore the importance of albumin-glycocalyx interactions in the rational design and optimization of albumin-based drug delivery systems.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Photodegraded Amorphous Curcumin on Silica Nanoparticles

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Photodegraded Amorphous Curcumin on Silica Nanoparticles

Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Laminates: Improvement in Quasi-Static and Fatigue Properties with Modified Matrices and Fiber Surfaces Using Silica Nanoparticles

Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Laminates: Improvement in Quasi-Static and Fatigue Properties with Modified Matrices and Fiber Surfaces Using Silica Nanoparticles

Application of micro and nano modifying additives in road construction materials

The need for stronger and more sustainable road infrastructure has stimulated research into innovative materials, including micro- and nano-additives, to improve the performance of asphalt and bitumen. This paper aims to summarize the advances in the application of these additives with a focus on improving mechanical, thermal, and environmental properties. The study provides a detailed review of traditional micro-additives such as elastomers and resins, as well as advanced nanomaterials including nano silica, nano clay, and carbon nanoparticles. Methods include analyzing experimental data from recent studies on bitumen modification with biopolymeric materials such as polylactic acid (PLA), which show an increase in molecular weight, softening point, and ductility. The main results show that the use of nano additives improves the durability of the road surface, increases its resistance to cracking, and increases the service life of the material under different climatic conditions. For example, roads modified with nano silica showed a 20-30% improvement in tensile strength and a 15% reduction in deformation. In addition, PLA bitumen modification increased the softening point by 10°C and improved the overall elasticity by 25%. These results emphasize the potential of micro- and nano-additives to create more durable, environmentally friendly, high-performance road materials.

Eco-friendly approach for synthesis of silica nanoparticles using extract of Ulva fasciata and an evaluation of its potential applications

Eco-friendly approach for synthesis of silica nanoparticles using extract of Ulva fasciata and an evaluation of its potential applications

Biosynthesis of pH-Responsive Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles from Cucumber Peels for Targeting 3D Lung Tumor Spheroids.

Lung adenocarcinoma is considered to be one of the primary causes of cancer-related deaths globally. Conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy taken together, have not significantly lowered mortality rates. Repositioning of authorized anticancer medications supported by nanotechnology has therefore emerged as an effective strategy to close such gaps. In this context, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were biosynthesized from cucumber peels and were loaded with doxorubicin, a common anticancer drug to form doxorubicin-bound mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSNs). The study addresses a sustainable method for turning waste materials into MSNs, which can be used to create multifunctional nanosystems. The therapeutic module (DMSNs) was designed specifically to target 2D monolayer cells and 3D tumor spheroids of lung adenocarcinoma cancer. The DMSNs demonstrated notable antiproliferative activity and effective intracellular localization in addition to being biocompatible and innately fluorescent. Subsequent investigations revealed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcal infection, which is primarily prevalent in lung cancer patients. Thus, the developed MSNs held promising potential for anticancer drug delivery systems and have antibacterial potential to treat bacterial infections in patients with lung cancer. Furthermore, the cucumber peel-mediated synthesis of MSNs could also aid in the management of food waste and promote the adoption of the waste-to-health paradigm for sustainable solutions.

Enhancing Adsorption Performance of Ce(III) by Amine-Thiourea and Aniline-Modified Magnetic Chitosan Nanocomposites.

To enhance the adsorption performance of chitosan for rare earth ions, two novel magnetic chitosan-based adsorbents were prepared by using chitosan-coated magnetic silica nanoparticles modified with amine-thiourea and aniline. The structure of copolymers was analyzed using characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis, confirming the successful synthesis of modified magnetic chitosan nanocomposites. The investigation explored the influence of pH, contact time, dosage, initial concentration, and temperature on the adsorption performance. Comparative studies revealed a significantly enhanced adsorption performance after modification. The chitosan-coated magnetic silica nanoparticles modified with aniline (PAN-CS/Fe3O4@SiO2) reached adsorption saturation in about 120 min with a capacity of 136 mg/g, while the chitosan-coated magnetic silica nanoparticles modified with amine-thiourea (TSC-CS/Fe3O4@SiO2) exhibited a higher adsorption capacity of 156 mg/g for Ce(III). Both materials demonstrated strong agreement with the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetics. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that Ce(III) adsorption is both spontaneous and endothermic. Examination of the adsorption mechanisms suggested that the effective adsorption of Ce(III) is due to the strong synergistic effects of chelation and electrostatic interactions involving amino, carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups. This study demonstrates that chitosan modified with amine-thiourea and aniline is an effective approach to significantly enhance the rare earth ion adsorption by chitosan.

Role of physicochemical properties in silica nanoparticle-mediated immunostimulation

Immunostimulation caused by nanoparticles may be beneficial or adverse depending on their intended application. Activation of immune cells is beneficial for indications targeting the immune system for therapeutic purposes, such as tumor microenvironment reprogramming, immunotherapy, and vaccines. When it is unwanted, however, immunostimulation may lead to excessive inflammation, cytokine storm, and hypersensitivity reactions. The increasing use of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) for the delivery of drugs, imaging agents, and antigens warrants preclinical studies aimed at understanding carrier-mediated effects on the number, activation status, and function of immune cell subsets. Herein, we present an in vitro study utilizing primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to investigate the proinflammatory properties of four types of SiNPs varying in size and porosity. Cytokine analysis was performed in resting and LPS-primed PBMC cultures to understand the ability of silica nanoparticles to induce de novo and exaggerate preexisting inflammation, respectively. Changes in the number and activation status of lymphoid and myeloid cells were studied by flow cytometry to gain further insight into SiNP-mediated immunostimulation. Nonporous SiNPs were found to be more proinflammatory than mesoporous SiNPs, and larger-sized particles induced greater cytokine response. LPS-primed PBMC resulted in increased susceptibility to SiNPs. Immunophenotyping analysis of SiNP-treated PBMC resulted in T and B lymphocyte, natural killer cell, and dendritic cell activation. Additionally, a loss of regulatory T cells and an increase in γδ TCR T cell population were observed with all particles. These findings have implications for the utility of SiNPs for the delivery of drugs and imaging agents.

Enhancement of H2-water mass transfer using methyl-modified hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles for efficient microbial CO2 reduction

Inorganic-microbial hybrid catalysis is an emerging technology that uses electrical energy to drive microorganisms to reduce CO2 into high value-added compounds, and it has broad application prospects in CO2 reduction. However, the low current density (production yield) limits its practical application. Hydrogen-mediated inorganic-microbial hybrid catalysis system can achieve higher current density, but it is limited by low H2 mass transfer. Here, silica nanoparticles were used to enhance the hydrogen mass transfer for highly efficient CO2 reduction. Solid silica (SN), mesoporous silica (MSN), hollow mesoporous silica (HMSN), and methyl-modified hollow mesoporous silica (MHMSN) were firstly prepared and tested for the enhancement of hydrogen mass transfer. Of these, MHMSN nanoparticles at a concentration of 0.3 wt% were the best at enhancing gas-liquid mass transfer, the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (KLa) and saturated dissolved hydrogen concentration of H2 are 0.53 min-1 and 1.81 mg l-1, respectively. Compared with the control group without added nanoparticles, MHMSN significantly increased the solubility and KLa of H2. This can be attributed that the addition of MHMSN promoted the detached process of hydrogen bubbles from the electrode surface, which made the diameter of hydrogen bubbles smaller, increased the gas-liquid mass transfer area, and strengthened the mass transfer process of H2. Furthermore, it was added to the inorganic-microbial hybrid catalysis system to effectively promote the microbial carbon reduction process, achieving a polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) yield of up to 700 mg l-1, and the electron utilization rate and CO2 conversion rate were 51 % and 58 % higher than the control group, respectively. These results demonstrated that the addition of MHMSN is an effective approach to enhancing the performance of H2-mediated inorganic-microbial hybrid catalysis system.

Study of silicon dioxide nanoparticles on the rheological and mechanical behaviors of self-compacting geopolymer concrete

AbstractGeopolymer concrete (GPC) is a rising eco-conscious substitute for traditional cement-based concrete, bringing the construction industry closer to sustainability. Self-compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC) enhances the concrete flowability and fills the congested reinforced areas without vibrators in concrete structures such as bridges, tunnels and canals. This study aims to analyze the impact of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (NS) on the rheological and mechanical properties of SCGC to optimize the dosage of NS in SCGC. For this purpose, NS (0–6%) blended in partially distributed binders of fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag (50:50) with 0.5 alkaline binder ratio, 2% superplasticizers (9 kg m−3) (MasterGlenium SKY 8233) and 12% extra water (54 kg m−3). Sodium silicate solution and sodium hydroxide ratio of 2.5 was used for this study. It is observed that SCGC with 3% NS replacement complied with the guidelines of EFNARC. According to the T50cm slump flow test, V-funnel test, and L-box test results meet the guidelines of up to 4% NS replacement, and 3% NS addition offers excellent mechanical properties in SCGC. This study concluded that the replacement of 3% of NS improved the fresh and hardened properties of SCGC, which can apply to construction.

Robust PFAS‐Free Superhydrophobicity Exhibited in Hierarchically Nanostructured Coatings on Textiles

Long chain per‐ and polyfluorinated chemical compounds, commonly referred to as PFAS, historically offered superior breathable and flexible water‐repellent textile finishes on clothing. Now notoriously deemed “forever chemicals” for their environmental persistence and ability to bioaccumulate, they can cause a range of human health impacts including cancer and reproductive harm, which has highlighted the need for less harmful but equally superhydrophobic coatings. Inspired by the microscopically bumpy water‐repellent surfaces of lotus leaves, this work introduces a PFAS‐free hierarchical nanocoating on and within textile substrates using a multistep synthetic approach, involving fabric pretreatment to facilitate a robust particle‐to‐substrate attachment of subsequently infiltrated silica nanoparticles (NPs), followed by surface functionalization of textile‐infiltrated NPs with long‐alkyl‐chain silanes to impart PFAS‐free water repellency. The system is subjected to rigorous wash testing and found consistent superhydrophobic performance after 65 wash cycles. Furthermore, the system can be adapted as a flexible platform technology for a variety of design opportunities by changing the substrate, NP composition, and surface chemistry to suit a variety of applications. Herein, a robust, flexible, and breathable interface between fabric and water that offers a next‐generation PFAS‐free water‐repellent textile coating solution is developed.

Metal Polyphenol Nanoparticle-Based Chemo/Ferroptosis Synergistic Therapy for the Treatment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Despite the use of surgical resection and chemotherapy in the clinical treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the 5-year survival rates of advanced patients are low. Therefore, more efficient strategies are urgently needed. Herein, a chemo/ferroptosis synergistic therapeutic system-DMEFe nanoparticles (NPs) is established for the treatment of OSCC. To create this system, the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded into mesoporous silica nanoparticles and further coated with a pH-sensitive metal polyphenol (iron ion and epigallocatechin gallate). These nanoparticles displayed excellent pH-sensitive drug-control release properties, and the release ratio of DOX at pH 5.5 was twice as high than that at pH 7.4. Additionally, DMEF NPs were effectively taken up by the OSCC cell line SSC-25, which greatly impeded the proliferation of these cells. Notably, these nanoparticles increased the intracellular level of reactive oxygen species and effectively exhibited cytotoxity effects. The mechanistic results proved that DMEFe NPs regulated the expression of ferroptosis-related genes to induce ferroptosis of SSC-25 cells. Eventually, this chemo/ferroptosis therapeutic system exhibited remarkable antitumor effects and provided a novel strategy for the treatment of OSCC.

Synthesis and Characterization of Self-Dispersion Monodisperse Silica-Based Functional Nanoparticles for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) in Low-Permeability Reservoirs

A controllable particle size mono-dispersing nanofluid system has been developed to address the challenges of low porosity and low-permeability in low to ultra-low-permeability reservoirs. This system combines high dispersion stability with enhanced oil recovery performance, and its effectiveness in improving recovery rates in low-permeability reservoirs, where conventional chemical flooding is ineffective, has been well demonstrated. Using the in situ method to prepare monodispersed nano-silica particles, the effects of the water concentration, ammonia concentration, and silica precursor concentration on the morphology, particle size, and formation time of the silica spherical particles were analyzed. Building on this foundation, a partially hydrophobic modified nano-silica oil displacement fluid was synthesized in situ. The system’s dispersion stability, ability to reduce oil-water interfacial tension, and capacity to alter rock wettability were evaluated. Core physical models were used to evaluate the oil displacement efficiency and the permeability applicability limits of the self-dispersing nano-silica oil displacement system. The experiments confirmed that the particle size distribution of the self-dispersing nano-silica oil displacement system can be controlled within a range of 10 nm to 300 nm. The nanofluids exhibited excellent stability, effectively altering the rock wettability from oil-wet to water-wet and reducing the oil-water interfacial tension to approximately 10−1 mN/m. The nano-displacement system increased the recovery rate of the low permeability reservoirs by more than 17%. The in situ modification method used to prepare these self-dispersing nanoparticles provides valuable insights for synergistic enhancement of recovery when combined with other systems, such as surfactants and CO2. This approach also opens up new possibilities and drives further development in the field of nano-enhanced oil recovery chemistry.

Dynamic Adsorption and Oil Recovery of Nanosilica on Carbonate Rock.

Numerous studies have investigated the use of nanosilica particles for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Many of these studies focused on experiments involving LHP (lipophobic and hydrophilic polysilicones) and HLP (hydrophobic and lipophilic polysilicones) in water-wet sandstones and oil-wet carbonate rocks. This paper's gap investigates comparing LHP and HLP nanosilica particles in enhancing oil recovery in water-wet and neutral-wet carbonate rocks. Additionally, the effects of LHP and HLP adsorption during injection and their influence on oil recovery have not yet been extensively investigated. This study used Sumatran crude oil from Indonesia, and to support the objectives of this study, several analyses were conducted, including measurements of rock wettability, interfacial tension, fluid stability, zeta potential, UV-vis spectrophotometric adsorption, and coreflood injection as the main experiment under different scenarios. The findings demonstrate that the oil recovery enhancement is influenced by the type of nanosilica used. Specifically, LHP nanosilica exhibited higher oil recovery in neutral-wet carbonate rocks, about 9.78-44.44%, while HLP nanosilica showed better performance in water-wet carbonate rocks in the range of 4.11-41.01% in different injection scenarios. Moreover, a directly proportional relationship was observed between the adsorption of LHP and HLP nanosilica on the rock and fluid and oil recovery, where increased adsorption corresponded to higher oil recovery for each injection scenario with the respective type of nanosilica about 0.06-0.15 mg/g. These results provide valuable insights into selecting the appropriate nanosilica and initial wettability conditions in EOR applications.

Drug-Free Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Enable Suppression of Cancer Metastasis and Confer Survival Advantages to Mice with Tumor Xenografts.

Despite advancements in nanomedicine for drug delivery, many drug-loaded nanoparticles reduce tumor sizes but often fail to prevent metastasis. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have attracted attention as promising nanocarriers. Here, we demonstrated that MSN-PEG/TA 25, with proper surface modifications, exhibited unique antimetastatic properties. In vivo studies showed that overall tumor metastasis decreased in 4T1 xenografts mice treated with MSN-PEG/TA 25 with a notable reduction in lung tumor metastasis. In vitro assays, including wound-healing, Boyden chamber, tube-formation, and real-time cell analyses, showed that MSN-PEG/TA 25 could modulate cell migration of 4T1 breast cancer cells and interrupt tube formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), key factors in suppressing cancer metastasis. The synergistic effect of MSN-PEG/TA 25 combined with liposomal-encapsulated doxorubicin (Lipo-Dox) significantly boosted mouse survival rates, outperforming Lipo-Dox monotherapy. We attributed the improved survival to the antimetastatic capabilities of MSN-PEG/TA 25. Moreover, Dox-loaded MSN-PEG/TA 25 suppressed primary tumors while retaining the antimetastatic effect, thereby enhancing therapeutic outcomes and overall survival. Western blot and qPCR analyses revealed that MSN-PEG/TA 25 interfered with the phosphorylation of ERK, FAK, and paxillin, thus impacting focal adhesion turnover and inhibiting cell motility. Our findings suggest that drug-free MSN-PEG/TA 25 is highly efficient for cancer treatment via suppressing metastatic activity and angiogenesis.

Tumor agnostic ultrasmall nanoprobes for fluorescence-guided surgical resection in peritoneal metastasis.

Surgical excision of metastases is the only curative treatment strategy in peritoneal carcinomatosis management, and the completeness of tumor resection determines the success of the surgery. Tumor-specific fluorescence-guided probes can improve the outcomes of cytoreductive surgery and thereby prognosis. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the feasibility of fluorescently labeled ultrasmall porous silica nanoparticles (UPSN) for image-guided resection of peritoneally disseminated tumors of different origins. Ultrasmall fluorescent nanoprobes were synthesized and characterized for their physicochemical properties and stability. Tumor-specific uptake and biodistribution profiles were evaluated in syngeneic CT26 colorectal and KPC-689 pancreatic cancer murine models. The practicability of real-time optical UPSN-guided resection was examined in the CT26 colorectal cancer model using a surgical stereomicroscope. Quantitative measurements of tumor sensitivity and specificity were performed. Histopathological examination validated in vivo findings about tumor-specific accumulation and safety of ultrasmall fluorescent probes. As-synthesized UPSNs were successfully surface modified with Cy5 or Cy3 dyes maintaining sub-15nm size and near neutral charge which is beneficial for optimized in vivo pharmacokinetics. UPSN-Cy5 demonstrated high tumor-specific uptake and favorable biodistribution profiles in peritoneal metastasis models of CT26 and KPC tumors. Dye-conjugated UPSN enabled resection of microscopic lesions and achieved a higher tumor-to-background ratios in comparison to FDA-approved indocyanine green (ICG) dye in both models. Microscopic evaluation showed tumor localization and off-target safety profile of the UPSN-Cy5. Ultrasmall fluorescent probes were effective in surgical resection of peritoneal metastases with high sensitivity and specificity, thus emerging as promising tumor agnostic agents for image-guided cancer surgery.

Improving the Mechanical, Thermoelectric Insulations, and Wettability Properties of Acrylic Polymers: Effect of Silica or Cement Nanoparticles Loading and Plasma Treatment.

The acrylic polymer composites in this study are made up of various weight ratios of cement or silica nanoparticles (1, 3, 5, and 10 wt%) using the casting method. The effects of doping ratio/type on mechanical, dielectric, thermal, and hydrophobic properties were investigated. Acrylic polymer composites containing 5 wt% cement or silica nanoparticles had the lowest abrasion wear rates and the highest shore-D hardness and impact strength. The increase in the inclusion of cement or silica nanoparticles enhanced surface roughness, water contact angle (WCA), and thermal insulation. Acrylic/cement composites demonstrated higher mechanical, electrical, and thermal insulation properties than acrylic/silica composites because of their lower particle size and their low thermal/electrical conductivity. Furthermore, to improve the surface hydrophobic characteristics of acrylic composites, the surface was treated with a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma jet. The DBD plasma jet treatment significantly enhanced the hydrophobicity of acrylic polymer composites. For example, the WCA of acrylic composites containing 5 wt% silica or cement nanoparticles increased from 35.3° to 55° and 44.7° to 73°, respectively, by plasma treatment performed at an Ar flow rate of 5 L/min and for an exposure interval of 25 s. The DBD plasma jet treatment is an excellent and inexpensive technique for improving the hydrophobic properties of acrylic polymer composites. These findings offer important perspectives on the development of materials coating for technical applications.

Study on the Performances of Toughening UV-LED-Cured Epoxy Electronic Encapsulants

This study aims to investigate the effects of three toughening agents—core–shell rubber particles (CSR), nano-silica particles (NSPs), and epoxidized polybutadiene (EPB)—on the performance of UV-LED-cured epoxy electronic encapsulants. By systematically comparing the curing behavior, thermomechanical properties, and impact resistance of different toughening agents in alicyclic epoxy resins, their potential applications in more environmentally friendly UV-cured electronic encapsulation are evaluated. The results show that NSP and CSR toughened samples have fast cured speed under 365 nm UV-LED light, but it affects the depth of curing under low energy conditions. They maintain high Tg, high modulus, and low thermal expansion coefficient (CTE), especially in the NSP-toughened sample. The EPB-toughened sample has good transparency for LED, but it has negative effects on Tg and CTE. This research provides essential theoretical and experimental data to support the development of high-performance UV-LED-cured epoxy encapsulation materials.

Exploring Silica Nanoparticles: A Sustainable Solution for Pest Control in Sri Lankan Rice Farming

Rice cultivation stands as a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s economy, serving as a vital source of employment for rural communities. However, the constraints of limited land availability have prompted an escalating dependence on agrochemicals, notably for pest management, thereby posing significant threats to human health and the environment. This review delves into the exploration of silica nanoparticles as a promising eco-friendly substitute for conventional pesticides in the context of Sri Lankan rice farming. It comprehensively examines various aspects, including the synthesis methods of silica nanoparticles, their encapsulation with synthetic pesticides, and an evaluation of their efficacy in pest control. Furthermore, it sheds light on the innovative utilization of agricultural waste such as rice husk and straw in the production of silica-based nanopesticides. This approach not only demonstrates a shift towards sustainable agricultural practices but also aligns with the principles of green chemistry and circular economy, offering a holistic solution to the challenges faced by the rice farming sector in Sri Lanka.

Morphological Characterization and Molecular Dynamics Investigation of In-Situ Silica Nanoparticle-Reinforced Poly(Dimethylsiloxane) as a New Approach to Fouling-Release Coatings

To explore a better understanding of the features of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)/silica nanocomposites as fouling-release coatings, a series of PDMS networks filled with silica nanoparticles synthesized in-situ was investigated using small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA). Three hydroxyl-terminated (HT) PDMS with different molecular weights, 18,000, 49,000, and 79,000 g/mole, were considered for preparing the nanocomposites at the various weight ratios: 1, 3, and 5:1 of HT-PDMS to tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as a precursor to the in-situ formation of the nano-silica particles. Two different TEOS were used regarding their degree of polymerization: monomeric type (n∼1) and oligomeric type (n∼5). The small-scale structure of the silica domains was examined using SAXS while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the large-scale structures of the silica domains. The SAXS data showed a bicontinuous array of aggregates. In addition, the glass transition and molecular dynamics in the nanocomposites were investigated using DMA. The sample including 20 wt% silica, exhibited two tan δ peaks. One was related to the usual polymer glass transition, while the other, occurring at a higher temperature, was attributed to the glass transitions associated with polymer chains in proximity to silica domains. The mobility of these polymer chains was diminished due to their interactions with the surface of the silica particles. This result demonstrated the existence of two types of physical and chemical interactions between the silica aggregates and PDMS chains.