Effect of amine functionalization of spherical MCM-41 and SBA-15 on controlled drug release

MCM-41 and SBA-15 silica materials with spherical morphology and different particle sizes were synthesized and modified by post-synthesis method with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). A comparative study of the adsorption and release of a model drug, ibuprofen, were carried out. The modified and drug loaded mesoporous materials were characterized by XRD, TEM, N2 physisorption, thermal analysis, elemental analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy. Surface modification with amino groups resulted in high degree of ibuprofen loading and slow rate of release for MCM-41, whereas it was the opposite for SBA-15. The adsorbed drug content and the delivery rate can be predetermined by the choice of mesoporous material with the appropriate structural characteristics and surface functionality.

Graphical AbstractIbuprofen delivery from the parent and amino-modified spherical MCM-41 materials with 100 nm (small) and 500 nm (large) particle sizes.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Spherical type MCM-41 and SBA-15 with different particle sizes were modified by APTES. ► Adsorption and release rate of ibuprofen were compared. ► High degree of ibuprofen loading, slow release rate for MCM-41, the opposite for SBA-15. ► MCM-41 with 100 nm particles was more stable and showed slower release rate