Role of phosphate-modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles for altering biomimetic metal-induced aggregation process of pluronic F127 block copolymer

•Phosphate-modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (PMSNs) with large pores over 10 nm were synthesized.•PMSNs were very effective in disrupting F127 block copolymer aggregates induced by Mn2+.•PMSNs adsorbed both MN2+and F127 polymer aggregates.•Phosphate on PMSN surface enhances adsorption kinetics.•PMSN could be applicable to inhibit biological cytotoxic aggregation process.

Phosphate-modified mesoporous silica nanoparticle (PMSN) with large pores over 10 nm is very effective in disrupting biomimetic aggregates of Pluronic® F127 PEO–PPO–PEO block copolymer induced by Mn2+. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles were prepared using cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and tetramethyl orthosilicate (TMOS) in basic conditions. Mesopores were expanded up to 15 nm using 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB) as a pore expander and phosphate groups were attached on the surface of mesoporous silica nanoparticles using 3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyl methylphosphonate (THPMP). F127 block copolymers formed aggregates in Mn2+-containing methanol solution and the aggregation process was abruptly reduced by adding small amount of PMSNs, which are attributed to negatively-charged phosphate groups on PMSN surface and high mesoporosity of PMSNs. TEM images clearly showed PMSNs adsorb F127 block copolymers as well as Mn2+.

Graphical abstractPhosphate-modified mesoporous silica nanoparticle (PMSN) with large pores over 10 nm is very effective in disrupting biomimetic aggregates of F127 PEO–PPO–PEO block copolymer induced by Mn2+. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide