Dynamic self-assembly synthesis and controlled release as drug vehicles of porous hollow silica nanoparticles

In this paper, porous hollow silica nanoparticles (HSNS) have been successfully fabricated by a novel combination of stabilizing condensation and dynamic self-assembly. In composition, porous silica nanoparticles (MSNS-1, MSNS-2) and porous silica nanocapsules (SNC) were successfully synthesized. The silica nanostructures were characterized by small-angle X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurements. HSNS have higher specific surface areas and large pore volumes than MSNS and SNC. The formation mechanism of the silica nanostructures was discussed. Further, encapsulation of organic molecules into HSNS and their controlled release were investigated by using Doxorubicin (DOX) as a model. HSNS show excellent drug delivery properties. DOX-loaded silica nanostructures exhibit superb drug release behavior, which is controlled by varying the pH. The current approaches will doubtlessly open many possibilities toward biological and technological applications of silica nanomaterials.

In order to control the drug release, porous hollow silica nanoparticles (HSNS) have been successfully fabricated by a novel combination of stabilizing condensation and dynamic self-assembly. In composition, porous silica nanoparticles (MSNS-1, MSNS-2) and porous silica nanocapsules (SNC) were successfully synthesized. In situ encapsulation of organic molecules into HSNs and their controlled release were further investigated by using Doxorubicin (Dox) as a typical example. DOX-loaded silica nanostructures exhibit superb drug release behavior and can be controlled by varying the pH.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► Porous hollow silica nanoparticles have been fabricated by a novel combination.
► Encapsulation of drug and their controlled release were investigated.
► HSNS show excellently drug delivery properties.
► Drug release can be controlled by varying the pH.