Silica Particles Research Articles

Photolytic degradation of commonly used pesticides adsorbed on silica particles

The currently used pesticides are mostly semi-volatile organic compounds. As a result, a fraction of them can be adsorbed on atmospheric aerosol surface. Their atmospheric photolysis is poorly documented, and gaps persist in understanding their reactivity in the particle phase. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the photolysis rates of eight commonly used pesticides (i.e., cyprodinil, deltamethrin, difenoconazole, fipronil, oxadiazon, pendimethalin, permethrin, and tetraconazole) using a flow reactor. These pesticides were individually adsorbed on hydrophobic silica particles and exposed to a filtered xenon lamp to mimic atmospheric aerosols and sunlight irradiation, respectively.The estimated photolysis rate constants ranged from less than (3.4 ± 0.3) × 10−7 s−1 (permethrin; >47.2 days) to (3.8 ± 0.2) × 10−5 s−1 (Fipronil; 0.4 days), depending on the considered compound. Moreover, this study assessed the influence of pesticide mixtures on their photolysis rates, revealing that certain pesticides can act as photosensitizers, thereby enhancing the reactivity of permethrin and tetraconazole. This study underscores the importance of considering photolysis degradation when evaluating pesticide fate and reactivity, as it can be a predominant degradation pathway for some pesticides. This contributes to an enhanced understanding of their behavior in the atmosphere and their impact on air quality.

A Dual-Mode Hybrid System Combining Solar Thermal With Pumped Thermal Energy Storage

A hybrid system that delivers renewable electricity generation and electricity storage capabilities is introduced. This dual-mode hybrid system is based on Pumped Thermal Energy Storage (PTES) which uses a heat pump to convert electricity into thermal energy that is transferred to silica particles which are stored in concrete silos. The stored heat is later converted back to electricity in a heat engine. The heat pump and heat engine use a closed Joule-Brayton cycle and fluidized bed heat exchangers. If the PTES system is co-located with an array of concentrating solar mirrors and a particle receiver, then the silica particles may also be heated up by the concentrating solar power (CSP) system. The PTES heat engine may also be used to convert the stored solar heat into electricity, thereby sharing this system between the PTES and CSP systems and reducing costs. However, this requires careful management of the heat engine off-design parameters. A thermodynamic model is used to evaluate the performance of the dual mode PTES-CSP hybrid system. The model accounts for turbomachinery efficiency, and approach temperature and pressure loss in heat exchangers, as well as other sources of inefficiency, such as motor-generator losses, and air fan power. The hybrid system also requires the evaluation of the turbomachinery efficiency and pressure ratio at off-design conditions since the CSP system operates over different temperature ratios than the Carnot Battery. Several design variables and design modifications are investigated, such as pressure ratios and maximum temperatures.

A symmetric chiral aromatic polyamide modified silica material combining rigid-flexible and application in liquid chromatography

The development of new separation materials is an effective way to improve the separation efficiency of chiral and achiral analytes. Here, a C3-symmetric chiral tricarboxylic acid compound was prepared and successfully immobilized onto the surface of porous silica particles by a one-pot synthesis strategy. The resulting material (TPHs-SiO2) was composed of symmetric chiral aromatic polyamide with a combination of rigid-flexibility, which gave it both chiral and hydrophilic interaction/ion exchange (HILIC/IEC) characteristics. TPHs-SiO2 as a new stationary phase for liquid chromatography can separate 1-phenyl-ethanol, 1-phenyl-propanol, 1-phenyl-1,2-ethylene glycol, 4-chloro-a-methylbenzyl alcohol, ofloxacin and mandelic acid in normal phase chromatography (NPLC) with resolutions of 2.69, 5.89, 4.49, 1.04, 1.73 and 5.47, respectively, thus indicating that TPHs-SiO2 has chiral resolution performance. TPHs-SiO2 can also achieve the separation of achiral compounds, such as nucleosides, nucleotides, and aniline compounds in HILIC/IEC mode. Therefore, the prepared stationary phase can be used as an ideal multifunctional separation material with chiral separation capability and mixed-mode separation capability (HILIC/IEC), realizing the separation of chiral compounds and different types of compounds. This work provides a new idea and method for developing multifunctional separation materials with multi-selectivity and high efficiency, that has important theoretical and application value.

Targeted delivery of the domestic anticancer drug from the group of aziridine triazines (literature review)

Currently, the targeted delivery of anticancer drugs can significantly increase the effectiveness of therapy, reduce the side effects of systemic chemotherapy, and improve the quality of patients with cancer. This review aimed to summarize data about the domestic antitumor drug 2,4-bis(1-aziridinyl)-6-(2,2-dimethyl-5-hydroxymethyl-1,3-dioxan-5-yl)amino-1,3,5-thriazine (dioxadet), its nanoforms, possibilities of its use in the clinic, and main antitumor nanodrugs clinically introduced in recent years. Library databases (eLibrary, PubMed, CyberLeninka, ResearchGate, Springer, Wiley Online Library, and Elsevier) were searched for relevant information. The literature review summarizes data on the preclinical trials of dioxadet and provides information on its nanoforms, such as nanogels, nanodiamonds, silica particles, and copolymers with lactic and caproic acids. New drug nanoforms open up opportunities to reduce drug side effects and systemic toxicity, maintain optimal therapeutic concentrations, increase the drug circulation time in the blood, and control its release. The possibility of using chemopreparation cytotoxic doses is the main advantage of new nanodrugs. To date, approximately 20 antitumor nanodrugs have been introduced in clinical practice, and some nanodrugs are undergoing preclinical trials or are in various phases of clinical trials. Thus, the development of a new effective nanoform, i.e., dioxadet, makes it possible to ensure targeted drug delivery in higher cytotoxic doses to target cells, increase selective action, and reduce cytostatic toxicity to normal cells.

Interleukin-11 drives fibroblast metabolic reprogramming in crystalline silica-induced lung fibrosis

Environmental exposure to crystalline silica (CS) particles is common and occurs during natural, industrial, and agricultural activities. Prolonged inhalation of CS particles can cause silicosis, a serious and incurable pulmonary fibrosis disease. However, the underlying mechanisms remain veiled. Herein, we aim to elucidate the novel mechanisms of interleukin-11 (IL-11) driving fibroblast metabolic reprogramming during the development of silicosis. We observed that CS exposure induced lung fibrosis in mice and activated fibroblasts, accompanied by increased IL-11 expression and metabolic reprogramming switched from mitochondrial respiration to glycolysis. Besides, we innovatively uncovered that elevated IL-11 promoted the glycolysis process, thereby facilitating the fibroblast-myofibroblast transition (FMT). Mechanistically, CS-stimulated IL-11 activated the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway and the latter increased the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) via promoting the translation and delaying the degradation of the protein. HIF-1α further facilitated glycolysis, driving the FMT process and ultimately the formation of silicosis. Moreover, either silence or neutralization of IL-11 inhibited glycolysis augmentation and attenuated CS-induced lung myofibroblast generation and fibrosis. Overall, our findings elucidate the role of IL-11 in promoting fibroblast metabolic reprogramming through the ERK-HIF-1α axis during CS-induced lung fibrosis, providing novel insights into the molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets of silicosis.

Nanocomposites obtained from various acrylate resins with DPGDA reactive diluent filled with fumed silica particles produced by using a DLP/LCD-type 3D printer

Nanocomposites obtained from various acrylate resins with DPGDA reactive diluent filled with fumed silica particles produced by using a DLP/LCD-type 3D printer

Research on ballistic properties of UHMWPE hybrid laminates impregnated with shear thickening fluid

In this paper, a technology of impregnating ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with shear thickening fluid (STF) was proposed to prepare composite laminates, and the ballistic properties of laminates with hybrid configurations were studied. Firstly, two kinds of STFs were prepared using silica particles of 20 nm and 500 nm. Then, STF-impregnated UHMWPE composite laminates were prepared using the hot-press lamination process. Finally, a ballistic experimental study of different combinations of laminates was carried out using a two-stage light gas gun. The results of the study show that the energy absorption rate of the hybridized laminate with the 20 nm + 50 nm configuration scheme is enhanced by more than 9.3 % compared to the laminate impregnated with the single STF. The laminate’s back face deformation depth (BFD depth) after impregnation with shear thickening fluid is only 66.8 % of that of pure UHMWPE laminate. The research work can provide new ideas and references for designing and developing new protective equipment.

Synthesis of Silica Particles with Controlled Microstructure via the Choline Hydroxide Cocatalyzed Stöber Method.

This study investigates the utilization of choline hydroxide as a cocatalyst in the Stöber method to synthesize silica particles with controlled microstructure. Under low ammonia concentration, we add a robust organic base choline hydroxide and systematically explore the influence of choline hydroxide concentration on the hydrolysis and condensation equilibrium of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). Through the rational control of the water content, we significantly enhance both the size range and polydispersity of the resulting silica particles. Taking advantage of the regulated microstructure induced by controlled hydrolysis and condensation catalyzed by choline hydroxide, we achieved silica particles with hollow structures through hot water etching, exhibiting significantly enhanced surface area. These findings demonstrate the versatility of choline hydroxide as a cocatalyst in tailoring the microstructure of silica particles. In addition, due to its reducing ability and biocompatibility, which are not shared by other reported catalysts, the use of choline hydroxide opens up opportunities for applications in catalysis, sensing, and drug delivery.

Evaluation of analytical columns suitable for high-temperature liquid-chromatography-isotope-ratio-mass-spectrometry analysis of anabolic steroids

Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) can be used to determine the carbon isotope ratio of anabolic steroids. For example, in sports doping and food safety control, it enables determining an endogenous or synthetic origin of anabolic steroids. Generally, the steroids of interest are purified by liquid chromatography (LC) and analysed by gas chromatography combustion IRMS. LC-IRMS is not used since only mobile phases without carbon atoms can be used. For analysing mid-to apolar compounds, heated water can be used as an eluent as it has a similar polarity to a weak polar organic solvent. The silica-based columns are not robust enough at elevated temperatures in aqueous conditions. However, modified silica particles, metal oxides coated with polymers, and porous graphitic carbon are promising column materials for high-temperature LC (HT-LC) applications. Here, the stability of the stationary phase is crucial, and their chromatographic performance needs to be evaluated under the conditions mentioned above for anabolic steroid separations. Six columns using temperatures up to 200 °C were assessed, and only two were found to be appropriate. The ZirChrom-PBD column can be used for HT-LC-IRMS research purposes but is not recommended for routine laboratory practice applications due to the substantial loss of retention and resolution over time at elevated temperatures. Sachtopore-RP columns are the only suitable option for routine HT-LC-IRMS applications, even though they suffer from peak broadening over time when operating at elevated temperatures

Characterization and extraction of silica particles from green solvent pretreated paddy straw

Characterization and extraction of silica particles from green solvent pretreated paddy straw

Heat Transfer Fluids Based on Amino-Functionalized Silica Dispersed in 1,2-Propylene Glycol and in 50-50 Aqueous 1,2-Propylene Glycol

1,2-propylene glycol and its 50-50 w/w mixture with water were used to prepare heat transfer fluids based on amino-functionalized silica. On top of pH-neutral dispersions (no reagents added except for the solvent and the particles), dispersions acidified with acetic acid and with HCl were used to enhance the positive electric charge of silica particles. The colloidal particles had a positive zeta potential >40 mV and showed apparent particle radii of 70 nm, and these properties remained unchanged on heating up to 80 °C for up to 28 days.

Improvement of the mechanical properties of the cement mortar by the incorporation of silica particles with low and high surface area

In recent years, nanoaprticules with different sizes have been incorporated in the cement mortar in order to improve their mechanical characteristics. The present work focuses onto the influence of the silica nanoparticles (SiO2) with low and high surface area over the stability and mechanical properties of the cement mortar. The quantities of nanosilica added into the cement mortar to ameliorate their mechanical characteristics vary from 0.5 % to 1.5 %wt. The obtained material after the incorporation of the SiO2 nanoparticles have been characterized by several techniques such as TG, DTG, DSC and their morphologies were determined by using SEM analysis. The workability, water absorption, compressive and flexural strengths of these materials have also been evaluated. The results obtained show that the introduction of the SiO2 nanoparticles into the cement mortar has been greatly improved their compressive and flexural strengths, and the specimens incorporated by nanosilica with high surface area are found more effective than those containing the silica nanoparticles with low surface area, suggesting that the specific surface play a crucial role in the improvement of their mechanical properties. The results show also that the appropriate dosage of silica nanoparticles in the cement mortar to have a maximum enhancement of their mechanical properties was found around 1.5 wt% by weight of cement for the nanosilica with high surface area.

Low-cost preparation of 3D-Au@SiO2 substrates for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and finite difference time domain enhancement analysis

Thin films (thickness of ∼2 to 4 μm) comprised of SiO2 particles (300–400 nm) were deposited on glass slides using a screen-printing approach. After annealing, films were functionalized with polyethyleneimine (PEI) to facilitate the adsorption of 3 to 5 nm Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) on the SiO2 particle films, and the resulting Au@SiO2 substrates were used to evaluate their potential for Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) applications. Two types of supported silica particles, monodisperse solid silica (s-SiO2) and textured silica (t-SiO2), were used to investigate the impact of the SiO2 surface properties on the formation of Au NPs hotspots. Monodisperse s-SiO2 particles were synthesized using the Stöber method, while textured surface materials were obtained by incorporating cetrimonium bromide (CTAB) into the solution at a concentration below the critical micelle concentration.SERS studies were conducted using Rhodamine 6G (R6G) as a target molecule. For Au@s-SiO2, the SERS signal results showed a reasonable spatial reproducibility with relative standard deviation values (RSD ∼5 to 16% for studies on six different samples), in agreement with literature values (RSD ∼10 %). In the case of t-SiO2, the spatial reproducibility was also good in some slides with low% RSD between 7 and 12 %, but in other substrates with values as high as 20 % to 50 % RSD. Also, a lower slide-to-slide %RSD value, 26 % vs. 34 %, was found for the s-SiO2 sample.For the Au@t-SiO2 substrates, the estimated calibration sensitivity and the calculated limit of quantification (LoQ) for R6G were 0.392 (log (peak area) vs. log ([R6G]) and 0.381 μM, respectively, close to the visual practical limit. For Au@s-SiO2, the sensitivity was lower, 0.305 vs 0.392, and the LoQ was 0.016 μM, which is lower than the visual practical limit 0.1 μM. To put these results in context, SiO2 and Au@SiO2 films were characterized using different methods, including profilometry, high resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopy (HR-SEM and TEM), UV–visible and Raman spectroscopy.In addition, finite-difference time domain (FDTD) simulations were performed to understand the relationship between substrate morphology and SERS enhancement. Image processing and 3D modelling software were used to convert the HR-SEM images of the SERS substrates into FDTD simulation-compatible models. The simulations showed that the Au@s-SiO2 substrate had a greater average plasmon resonance enhancement over the Au@t-SiO2 substrate, in good agreement with the LoQ differences between substrates, ∼0.02 μM for Au@ s-SiO2 vs. ∼0.4 μM for Au@t-SiO2.

Synthesis of Mesoporous Silica Sol with Low Refractive Properties for Increasing Transmittance.

Currently, coating with anti-reflective materials is an attractive approach to improve the quality of screen-based displays. In this study, mesoporous silica particles were systematically synthesized as a function of surfactant (i.e., CTAC-cetyltrimethylammonium chloride) concentration to serve as main coating fillers possessing low refractive indices. Precisely changing the amount of the CTAC surfactant, silica sol with an average diameter of 50 nm exhibits distinctively different specific surface areas, pore size, and pore volume. Prior to the preparation of final coating solutions containing these silica particle fillers, the percentage of solid content was optimized on a glass slide. The use of 50 wt% solid content exhibited the highest transmittance of light. Among various content levels of silica sol, the use of 3.5 wt% of silica particles in the solid content displayed the highest transmittance (i.e., best anti-reflectiveness). Under the almost identical coating layers prepared with the fixed amount of silica particles possessing different surface areas, pore size, and pore volume, it appears that the largest pore volume played the most important role in improving the anti-reflective properties. Experimentally understanding the key feature of low-refractive filler materials under the optimized conditions could provide a clear view to develop highly effective anti-reflective materials for various display applications.

Tailored Physicochemical Cues Direct Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation through Epigenetic Regulation Using Colloidal Self-Assembled Patterns.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) shapes the stem cell fate during differentiation by exerting relevant biophysical cues. However, the mechanism of stem cell fate decisions in response to ECM-backed complex biophysical cues has not been fully understood due to the lack of versatile ECMs. Here, we designed two versatile ECMs using colloidal self-assembly technology to probe the mechanisms of their effects on mechanotransduction and stem cell fate regulation. Binary colloidal crystals (BCC) with a hexagonally close-packed structure, composed of silica (5 μm) and polystyrene (0.4 μm) particles as well as a polydimethylsiloxane-embedded BCC (BCCP), were fabricated. They have defined surface chemistry, roughness, stiffness, ion release, and protein adsorption properties, which can modulate the cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs). On the BCC, hASCs preferred osteogenesis at an early stage but showed a higher tendency toward adipogenesis at later stages. In contrast, the results of BCCP diverged from those of BCC, suggesting a unique regulation of ECM-dependent mechanotransduction. The BCC-mediated cell adhesion reduced the size of the focal adhesion complex, accompanying an ordered spatial organization and cytoskeletal rearrangement. This morphological restriction led to the modulation of mechanosensitive transcription factors, such as c-FOS, the enrichment of transcripts in specific signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, and the activation of the Hippo signaling pathway. Epigenetic analyses showed changes in histone modifications across different substrates, suggesting that chromatin remodeling participated in BCC-mediated mechanotransduction. This study demonstrates that BCCs are versatile artificial ECMs that can regulate human stem cells' fate through unique biological signaling, which is beneficial in biomaterial design and stem cell engineering.

Dynamic magnesiothermic reduction of various silica to porous silicon structures for lithium battery anodes

A dynamic magnesiothermic reduction (DMR) of various silica having different size and porosity is conducted to study the effects of silica properties on the ⅰ) DMR reaction kinetics, ⅱ) properties of resulting porous silicon (pSi) microparticles, and ⅲ) performances of pSi/C composites as anodes in lithium batteries. A DMR kinetic study using the Ginstling–Brounstein diffusion model shows that the smaller the silica particle size, the higher the reduction rate and the lower the apparent activation energy. Irrespective of silica properties, all the resulting pSi particles have mesoporous structures. The pSi particles comprise interconnected small primary silicon nanoparticles (approximately 30–40 nm in diameter) to render similar particle morphologies to those of the parent silica. Owing to these appealing features of pSi particles, pSi/C composites exhibit excellent cycling performance for over 200 cycles and high rate capabilities, whereas SiMP/C (prepared with a non-porous silicon microparticles) loses most of its capacity in early cycles owing to high resistance build-up during cycling. Overall, the DMR of silica precursors of several micrometers or less in size (preferably porous precursors) are desirable for the production of high-purity pSi microparticles for use in high-capacity and stable anodes for advanced lithium batteries.

Study on the hydrate growth characteristics and rheology of silica-containing sand water-in-oil emulsion system

Understanding the transportability of silica-sand-containing hydrate slurries is crucial for production safety of non-consolidated natural gas hydrate reservoirs, especially when solid-state fluidization technology is utilized. Despite some research on silica sand and marine sediments’ influence on hydrate formation kinetics, rheological studies are scarce for systems with silica sands. The formation process of cyclopentane hydrates under the coexistence of hydrophilic silica particles and surfactants were observed. The effects of the concentration and particle size of silica sands as well as the water cut and surfactant concentration of emulsion on the rheological properties of hydrate slurries were investigated using a rheometer. The results indicated: (1) Hydrophilic sand aggregates were entrapped in water droplets, indirectly affecting the oil–water contact area due to the increase in water droplet volume, which was conducive to the combination of alkanes and water molecules to form a hydrate shell; silica particles provided nucleation sites at the oil–water interface to promote the adsorption and aggregation of cyclopentane molecules. (2) The synergistic effect of silica sand and surfactants significantly shortened the induction time of hydrates and increased the viscosity of the slurry. As the concentration of silica sand (1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%) increased, the induction time of hydrate formation decreased by 44.8 min. Within the concentration range below 5 wt%, the viscosity of the slurry increased as the concentration increased, with an amplitude of 13830.7 mPa·s. The induction time of hydrate formation decreased with increasing silica sand particle size (2 μm, 6.5 μm, 12 μm), but the size of silica sand particles had no significant effect on the viscosity of the slurry. (3) Hydrate slurries in all systems exhibited shear-thinning behavior. There was no obvious relationship between the yield stress of slurry under different silica sand concentrations. However, the yield stress of the slurry was inversely proportional to the size of silica sand particles. The yield stress decreased by 141.13 Pa when the size of silica sand particles increased from 2 μm to 12 μm. Overall, this study highlighted the influence of silica sand presence on flow safety assurance in solid-state fluidization technology.

Innovative ceramic membrane plate filtration system for sustainable semiconductor industry wastewater treatment: A pilot scale study

Conventional methods of coagulation and flocculation are used to treat semiconductor industry wastewater, but they often fail to recover valuable silica particles and result in resource wastage and environmental risks. Despite the potential of membrane filtration for silica recovery, limited research is available on scaling up the process beyond laboratory scale. Therefore, this study aims to develop and evaluate the feasibility of pilot-scale ceramic membrane plate filtration system for treatment of diluted back grinding wastewater (DBGW) from the semiconductor industry. Specific objectives include assessing permeate quality in terms of rejection and benchmarking it to established standards, identifying fouling mechanisms, characterising sludge constituents and conducting life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impacts of the ceramic membrane plate filtration system compared with conventional treatment. The pilot membrane plate filtration system demonstrated significant reductions of 85.71 % in chemical oxygen demand, 67.31 % in total suspended solid, 75 % in nitrate–nitrogen (NO3-N), 33.33 % in ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), 74.07 % in colour and 98.37 % in turbidity. Effective mitigation of irreversible fouling during DBGW filtration was achieved using 0.1 M NaOCl, resulting in a flux recovery ratio of 95.35 %. The retained silica on the membrane exhibited a purity of 64 wt%, as confirmed by EDX analysis. The treated wastewater met various regulatory standards including Malaysia Industrial Effluent Discharge (Standard A and Standard B), restricted USEPA standard, NWQS Class IIA, IIB, III, IV and V, and Singapore’s greywater standards. The fouling mechanism of silica on the ceramic membrane was well represented by the standard blocking model with an R2 value of 0.92. Furthermore, LCA confirmed that the utilisation of the ceramic membrane plate filtration system exhibited fewer environmental impacts than conventional coagulation–flocculation methods. This study represents a significant breakthrough in wastewater treatment in the semiconductor industry in terms of concurrent recovery and reuse of silica to address environmental and resource sustainability concerns.

Systematic study of chromonic liquid crystal-based complex emulsions and their application in the preparation of silica nanomaterials

Multiple triphasic emulsions constitute versatile templates for the preparation of complex particles and capsules. In these emulsions the volume fractions and interfacial tensions between the phases dictate the droplet morphology, enabling various morphologies such as Janus, core-shell and snowman droplets. In this article, we describe the preparation of all-aqueous water-in-water (W/W) emulsions composed by a perylene-based chromonic liquid crystal and a hydrophilic polymer. This combination yields emulsions with liquid crystalline droplets exhibiting diverse configurations of the director, including the formation of twisted structures, from achiral mesogens. Three-phase multiple emulsions with various morphologies were obtained by the emulsification of W/W emulsions in either another aqueous phase or in hexadecane. The resulting droplet morphologies depended on the composition of the system. Furthermore, hollow silica particles with a chromonic-templated microporous structure were prepared via a sol−gel reaction within the liquid crystalline phase of water-in-water-in-oil emulsions. These findings show how the unique templating properties of chromonic liquid crystals can be applied to all-aqueous emulsions for the synthesis of complex silica particles, with a controlled structure both at the micro- and nanoscale.

Application of mesoporous silica particles as an additive for controlling rheological, thermal, and filtration properties of water-based fluids

Mesoporous silica particles (MSP) have received increasing interest for various applications because of their unique features such as controlled pore size, low density, high chemical and thermal stability, and high surface area. In this study, MSP was applied as an additive in water-based drilling fluids (WBMs). The effect of MSP on the rheological, thermal, filtration, and structural properties of WBMs was investigated. The results were compared with those of analogous fluids containing conventional nonporous silica particles (SSP). Rheological assays showed shear-thinning and viscoelastic behavior, which were more noticeable for fluids including MSP. It was observed that low concentrations of MSP (0.25 %wt) can achieve the same rheological properties as the fluids with higher SSP content (up to 0.5 %wt). The rheological properties of SSP-containing fluids were not significantly affected by the presence of NaCl or aging tests. The theoretical Herschel–Bulkley model represents the rheological behavior of WBMs. The MSP-based WBMs exhibited better filtration properties before aging. The microstructures of the WBMs were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). A homogeneous distribution of SSP in the WBMs was observed, while particle agglomeration was observed in WBMs containing MSP. In addition, surface interactions were studied to elucidate the interactions between particles and fluid constituents. The surface interaction, assessed through ζ-potential and FTIR analysis, revealed that the binding affinities of BT, PAC, and XGD with MSP were augmented compared to their individual values. Based on the experimental results, MSP constitutes a promising alternative as an additive for the design of WBMs.