ROS-responsive charge reversal mesoporous silica nanoparticles as promising drug delivery system for neovascular retinal diseases.

Intravitreal injection of biodegradable implant drug carriers shows promise in reducing the injection frequency for neovascular retinal diseases. However, current intravitreal ocular devices have limitations in adjusting drug release rates for individual patients, thereby affecting treatment effectiveness. Accordingly, we developed mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) featuring a surface that reverse its charge in response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) for efficient delivery of humanin peptide (HN) to retinal epithelial cells (ARPE-19). The MSN core, designed with a pore size of 2.8 nm, ensures a high HN loading capacity 64.4% (w/w). We fine-tuned the external surface of the MSNs by incorporating 20% Acetyl-L-arginine (Ar) to create a partial positive charge, while 80% conjugated thioketal (TK) methoxy polyethylene glycol (mPEG) act as ROS gatekeeper. Ex vivo experiments using bovine eyes revealed the immobilization of Ar-MSNs-TK-PEG (mean zeta potential: 2 mV) in the negatively charged vitreous. However, oxidative stress reversed the surface charge to -25 mV by mPEG loss, facilitating the diffusion of the nanoparticles impeded with HN. In vitro studies showed that ARPE-19 cells effectively internalize HN-loaded Ar-MSNs-TK, subsequently releasing the peptide, which offered protection against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis, as evidenced by reduced TUNEL and caspase3 activation. The inhibition of retinal neovascularization was further validated in an in vivo oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse model.

pH-responsive oxygen self-sufficient smart nanoplatform for enhanced tumor chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy.

Premature drug release in chemotherapy and hypoxic conditions in photodynamic therapy (PDT) are perplexing problems in tumor treatment. Thus, it is of great significance to develop the novel therapeutic system with controllable drug release and effective oxygen generation. Herein, a pH-responsive oxygen self-sufficient smart nanoplatform (named DHCCC), integrating hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs), chitosan (CS), doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX), chlorin e6 (Ce6) and catalase (CAT), is fabricated to enhance the tumor therapeutic efficacy efficiently through avoiding premature drug release and mitigating hypoxia of tumor microenvironment (TME). The drug DOX can be efficiently loaded into the HMSNs with large cavity and be controllable released because of the pH responsiveness of CS to the weak acidic TME, thereby elevating the chemotherapy efficacy. Meanwhile, CAT can catalyze the decomposition of endogenous hydrogen peroxide in situ generating oxygen to alleviate the hypoxia and enhance the PDT efficiency considerably. In vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that the combined chemo-photodynamic therapy based on the DHCCC nanoplatform exerts more effective antitumor efficacy than chemotherapy or PDT alone. The current study provides a promising inspiration to construct the pH-responsive oxygen self-sufficient smart nanomedicine with potentials to prevent premature drug leakage and overcome hypoxia for efficient tumor therapy.

Logic "AND Gate Circuit" Based Mussel Inspired Polydopamine Nanocomposite as Bioactive Antioxidant for Management of Oxidative Stress and Neurogenesis in Traumatic Brain Injury.

In the intricate landscape of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), the management of TBI remains a challenging task due to the extremely complex pathophysiological conditions and excessive release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the injury site and the limited regenerative capacities of the central nervous system (CNS). Existing pharmaceutical interventions are limited in their ability to efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and expeditiously target areas of brain inflammation. In response to these challenges herein, we designed novel mussel inspired polydopamine (PDA)-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (PDA-AMSNs) with excellent antioxidative ability to deliver a new potential therapeutic GSK-3ß inhibitor lead small molecule abbreviated as Neuro Chemical Modulator (NCM) at the TBI site using a neuroprotective peptide hydrogel (PANAP). PDA-AMSNs loaded with NCM (i.e., PDA-AMSN-D) into the matrix of PANAP were injected into the damaged area in an in vivo cryogenic brain injury model (CBI). This approach is specifically built while keeping the logic AND gate circuit as the primary focus. Where NCM and PDA-AMSNs act as two input signals and neurological functional recovery as a single output. Therapeutically, PDA-AMSN-D significantly decreased infarct volume, enhanced neurogenesis, rejuvenated BBB senescence, and accelerated neurological function recovery in a CBI.

Biomimetic Trypsin-Responsive Structure-Bridged Mesoporous Organosilica Nanomedicine for Precise Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis.

Developing strategies to target injured pancreatic acinar cells (PACs) in conjunction with primary pathophysiology-specific pharmacological therapy presents a challenge in the management of acute pancreatitis (AP). We designed and synthesized a trypsin-cleavable organosilica precursor bridged by arginine-based amide bonds, leveraging trypsin's ability to selectively identify guanidino groups on arginine via Asp189 at the active S1 pocket and cleave the carboxy-terminal (C-terminal) amide bond via catalytic triads. The precursors were incorporated into the framework of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) for encapsulating the membrane-permeable Ca2+ chelator BAPTA-AM with a high loading content (∼43.9%). Mesenchymal stem cell membrane coating and surface modification with PAC-targeting ligands endow MSNs with inflammation recruitment and precise PAC-targeting abilities, resulting in the highest distribution at 3 h in the pancreas with 4.7-fold more accumulation than that of naked MSNs. The outcomes transpired as follows: After bioinspired MSNs' skeleton biodegradation by prematurely and massively activated trypsin, BAPTA-AM was on-demand released in injured PACs, thereby effectively eliminating intracellular calcium overload (reduced Ca2+ level by 81.3%), restoring cellular redox status, blocking inflammatory cascades, and inhibiting cell necrosis by impeding the IκBα/NF-κB/TNF-α/IL-6 and CaMK-II/p-RIP3/p-MLKL/caspase-8,9 signaling pathways. In AP mice, a single dose of the formulation significantly restored pancreatic function (lipase and amylase reduced more by 60%) and improved the survival rate from 50 to 91.6%. The formulation offers a potentially effective strategy for clinical translation in AP treatment.

Construction and synergistic anti-tumor study of a tumor microenvironment-based multifunctional nano-drug delivery system.

To solve the problems existing in the clinical application of hypericin (Hyp) and tirapazamine (TPZ), a nano-drug delivery system with synergistic anti-tumor functions was constructed using mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) and sodium alginate (SA). The system exhibited excellent stability, physiological compatibility and targeted drug release performance in tumor tissues. In the in vitro and in vivo experiments, Hyp released from MSN killed tumor cells through photodynamic therapy (PDT). The degree of hypoxia in the tumor tissue site was exacerbated, enabling TPZ to fully exert its anti-tumor activity. Our studies suggested that the synergistic effects between the components of the nano-drug delivery system significantly improve the anti-tumor properties of Hyp and TPZ.

pH-responsive chitosan-mediated spherical mesoporous silica microspheres for high loading and controlled delivery of 5-Fluorouracil.

The objective of this study is to develop a drug carrier to overcome the inherent drawbacks of 5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu), including low bioavailability, short half-life, and systemic toxicity. In the present work, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) capped by chitosan (CS) to encapsulate 5-Fu (5-Fu MSNs/CS) were fabricated by the sol-gel process, ultrasonic impregnation, and emulsion cross-linking. The 5-Fu MSNs/CS microspheres exhibit pH-responsive drug release and remarkable drug encapsulation capacity, as well as perfect sphericity, high specific surface area (680.62 cm2/g), and uniform particle size (2.64 ± 0.05 µm). The drug-loading content and encapsulation efficiency are 14.12 ± 0.53 % and 82.21 ± 2.13 %, respectively. The cumulative release of 5-Fu from MSNs/CS microspheres is fast and sustained at pH 5.0 (89.56 ± 0.97 %) compared to that at pH 7.4 (57.88 ± 0.91 %) in 96 h, and it is Fickian diffusion controlled. In conclusion, the MSNs/CS microspheres prepared in this study could be potential carriers for 5-Fu delivery.

Engineered Mesoporous Silica-Based Nanoparticles: Characterization of Surface Properties.

Mesoporous silica-based nanomaterials have emerged as multifunctional platforms with applications spanning catalysis, medicine, and nanotechnology. Since their synthesis in the early 1990s, these materials have attracted considerable interest due to their unique properties, including high surface area, tunable pore size, and customizable surface chemistry. This article explores the surface properties of a series of MSU-type mesoporous silica nanoparticles, elucidating the impact of different functionalization strategies on surface characteristics. Through an extensive characterization utilizing various techniques, such as FTIR, Z-potential, and nitrogen adsorption porosimetry, insights into the surface modifications of mesoporous silica nanoparticles are provided, contributing to a deeper understanding of their nanostructure and related interactions, and paving the way to possible unexpected actionability and potential applications.

Ultrasonic Preparation of Nano-CaCO3 Templates and Hollow Mesoporous SiO2 Nanoparticles for Voriconazole Loading.

CaCO3 nanoparticles (nano-CaCO3) as nano-templates were prepared using CaCl2 and Na2CO3 solutions under controlled sonication (19.5 kHz). Using the same ultrasonic device, subsequently, hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) were obtained by the hard template of nano-CaCO3. HMSNs were selected as carriers for the antifungal drug voriconazole (VOR) loading to overcome poor water solubility. Three-dimensional CaCO3 nanosheets HMSNs were obtained under gentle sonication. Three-dimensional CaCO3 nanosheets of 24.5 nm (hydrodynamic diameter) were obtained under 17.6 W for 3 min. HMSNs were synthesized by double-template method with nano-CaCO3 as the hard template. Transmission electron microscopy measurements showed that the prepared HMSNs possess hollow structures with particle size between 110 and 120 nm. Nitrogen physisorption at -196 °C revealed that the HMSNs had high surface area (401.57 m2/g), high pore volume (0.11 cm3/g), and uniform pore size (2.22 nm) that facilitated the effective encapsulation of VOR in the HMSNs. The loading capacity of VOR (wt%) on the HMSNs was 7.96%, and the total VOR release amount of VOR-HMSNs material was 71.40% at 480 min. The kinetic model confirmed that the release mechanism of HMSNs nanoparticles followed Fickian diffusion at pH = 7.4 and 37 °C. Moreover, the cumulative VOR release at 42 °C (86.05%) was higher than that at 37 °C (71.40%). The cumulative release amount of VOR from the VOR-HMSNs material was 92.37% at pH = 5.8 at the same temperature. Both nano-CaCO3 templates and HMSNs were prepared by sonication at 19.5 kHz. The as-prepared HMSNs can effectively encapsulate VOR and released drug by Fickian diffusion.

Silica nanoparticle design for colorectal cancer treatment: Recent progress and clinical potential.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second most common cause of cancer death. Nanotherapies are able to selectively target the delivery of cancer therapeutics, thus improving overall antitumor efficiency and reducing conventional chemotherapy side effects. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have attracted the attention of many researchers due to their remarkable advantages and biosafety. We offer insights into the recent advances of MSNs in CRC treatment and their potential clinical application value.

pH-Responsive Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Loaded with Naringin for Targeted Osteoclast Inhibition and Bone Regeneration.

Background: It is well-established that osteoclast activity is significantly influenced by fluctuations in intracellular pH. Consequently, a pH-sensitive gated nano-drug delivery system represents a promising therapeutic approach to mitigate osteoclast overactivity. Our prior research indicated that naringin, a natural flavonoid, effectively mitigates osteoclast activity. However, naringin showed low oral availability and short half-life, which hinders its clinical application. We developed a drug delivery system wherein chitosan, as gatekeepers, coats mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with naringin (CS@MSNs-Naringin). However, the inhibitory effects of CS@MSNs-Naringin on osteoclasts and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, warranting further research. Methods: First, we synthesized CS@MSNs-Naringin and conducted a comprehensive characterization. We also measured drug release rates in a pH gradient solution and verified its biosafety. Subsequently, we investigated the impact of CS@MSNs-Naringin on osteoclasts induced by bone marrow-derived macrophages, focusing on differentiation and bone resorption activity while exploring potential mechanisms. Finally, we established a rat model of bilateral critical-sized calvarial bone defects, in which CS@MSNs-Naringin was dispersed in GelMA hydrogel to achieve in situ drug delivery. We observed the ability of CS@MSNs-Naringin to promote bone regeneration and inhibit osteoclast activity in vivo. Results: CS@MSNs-Naringin exhibited high uniformity and dispersity, low cytotoxicity (concentration≤120 µg/mL), and significant pH sensitivity. In vitro, compared to Naringin and MSNs-Naringin, CS@MSNs-Naringin more effectively inhibited the formation and bone resorption activity of osteoclasts. This effect was accompanied by decreased phosphorylation of key factors in the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, increased apoptosis levels, and a subsequent reduction in the production of osteoclast-specific genes and proteins. In vivo, CS@MSNs-Naringin outperformed Naringin and MSNs-Naringin, promoting new bone formation while inhibiting osteoclast activity to a greater extent. Conclusion: Our research suggested that CS@MSNs-Naringin exhibited the strikingly ability to anti-osteoclasts in vitro and in vivo, moreover promoted bone regeneration in the calvarial bone defect.

Regulation of IFP in solid tumours through acoustic pressure to enhance infiltration of nanoparticles of various sizes.

Numerous nanomedicines have been developed recently that can accumulate selectively in tumours due to the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. However, the high interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) in solid tumours limits the targeted delivery of nanomedicines. We were previously able to relieve intra-tumoural IFP by low-frequency non-focused ultrasound (LFNFU) through ultrasonic targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD), improving the targeted delivery of FITC-dextran. However, the accumulation of nanoparticles of different sizes and the optimal acoustic pressure were not evaluated. In this study, we synthesised Cy5.5-conjugated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Cy5.5-MSNs) of different sizes using a one-pot method. The Cy5.5-MSNs exhibited excellent stability and biosafety regardless of size. MCF7 tumour-bearing mice were subjected to UTMD over a range of acoustic pressures (0.5, 0.8, 1.5 and 2.0 MPa), and injected intravenously with Cy5.5-MSNs. Blood perfusion, tumour IFP and intra-tumoural accumulation of Cy5.5-MSNs were analysed. Blood perfusion and IFP initially rose, and then declined, as acoustic pressure intensified. Furthermore, UTMD significantly enhanced the accumulation of differentially sized Cy5.5-MSNs in tumour tissues compared to that of the control group, and the increase was sevenfold higher at an acoustic pressure of 1.5 MPa. Taken together, UTMD enhanced the infiltration and accumulation of Cy5.5-MSNs of different sizes in solid tumours by reducing intra-tumour IFP.

Inflammation-Responsive Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles with Synergistic Anti-inflammatory and Joint Protection Effects for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment.

PURPOSE: Joint destruction is a major burden and an unsolved problem in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. We designed an intra-articular mesoporous silica nanosystem (MSN-TP@PDA-GlcN) with anti-inflammatory and joint protection effects. The nanosystem was synthesized by encapsulating triptolide (TP) in mesoporous silica nanoparticles and coating it with pH-sensitive polydopamine (PDA) and glucosamine (GlcN) grafting on the PDA. The nano-drug delivery system with anti-inflammatory and joint protection effects should have good potency against RA. METHODS: A template method was used to synthesize mesoporous silica (MSN). MSN-TP@PDA-GlcN was synthesized via MSN loading with TP, coating with PDA and grafting of GlcN on PDA. The drug release behavior was tested. A cellular inflammatory model and a rat RA model were used to evaluate the effects on RA. In vivo imaging and microdialysis (MD) system were used to analyze the sustained release and pharmacokinetics in RA rats. RESULTS: TMSN-TP@PDA-GlcN was stable, had good biocompatibility, and exhibited sustained release of drugs in acidic environments. It had excellent anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. It also effectively repaired joint destruction in vivo without causing any tissue toxicity. In vivo imaging and pharmacokinetics experiments showed that the nanosystem prolonged the residence time, lowered the Cmax value and enhanced the relative bioavailability of TP. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that MSN-TP@PDA-GlcN sustained the release of drugs in inflammatory joints and produced effective anti-inflammatory and joint protection effects on RA. This study provides a new strategy for the treatment of RA.

Gallium-containing mesoporous nanoparticles influence in-vitro osteogenic and osteoclastic activity.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles were synthesized using a microemulsion-assisted sol-gel method, and calcium, gallium or a combination of both, were used as dopants. The influence of these metallic ions on the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles was investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, as well as N2 adsorption-desorption methods. The presence of calcium had a significant impact on the morphology and textural features of the nanoparticles. The addition of calcium increased the average diameter of the nanoparticles from 80 nm to 150 nm, while decreasing their specific surface area from 972 m2/g to 344 m2/g. The nanoparticles of all compositions were spheroidal, with a disordered mesoporous structure. An ion release study in cell culture medium demonstrated that gallium was released from the nanoparticles in a sustained manner. In direct contact with concentrations of up to 100 µg/mL of the nanoparticles, gallium-containing nanoparticles did not exhibit cytotoxicity towards pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells. Moreover, in vitro cell culture tests revealed that the addition of gallium to the nanoparticles enhanced osteogenic activity. Simultaneously, the nanoparticles disrupted the osteoclast differentiation of RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. These findings suggest that gallium-containing nanoparticles possess favorable physicochemical properties and biological characteristics, making them promising candidates for applications in bone tissue regeneration, particularly for unphysiological or pathological conditions such as osteoporosis.

Controlled Quercetin Release by Fluorescent Mesoporous Nanocarriers for Effective Anti-Adipogenesis.

Introduction: Quercetin (QUER), a flavonoid abundant in fruits and vegetables, is emerging as a promising alternative therapeutic agent for obesity treatment due to its antioxidant and anti-adipogenic properties. However, the clinical application of QUER is limited by its poor solubility, low bioavailability, and potential toxicity at high doses. To address these challenges, this study aims to develop an advanced drug delivery system using fluorescent mesoporous silica nanoparticles (FMSNs) coated with polydopamine (PDA) for the efficient and sustained delivery of QUER to inhibit adipogenesis. Methods: The research included the synthesis of PDA-coated FMSNs for encapsulation of QUER, characterization of their mesoporous structures, and systematic investigation of the release behavior of QUER. The DPPH assay was used to evaluate the sustained radical scavenging potential. Concentration-dependent effects on 3T3-L1 cell proliferation, cellular uptake and adipogenesis inhibition were investigated. Results: PDA-coated FMSNs exhibited well-aligned mesoporous structures. The DPPH assay confirmed the sustained radical scavenging potential, with FMSNs-QUER@PDA showing 53.92 ± 3.48% inhibition at 72 h, which was higher than FMSNs-QUER (44.66 ± 0.57%) and free QUER (43.37 ± 5.04%). Concentration-dependent effects on 3T3-L1 cells highlighted the enhanced efficacy of PDA-coated FMSNs for cellular uptake, with a 1.5-fold increase compared to uncoated FMSNs. Adipogenesis inhibition was also improved, with relative lipid accumulation of 44.6 ± 4.6%, 37.3 ± 4.6%, and 36.5 ± 7.3% at 2.5, 5, and 10 µM QUER concentrations, respectively. Conclusion: The study successfully developed a tailored drug delivery system, emphasizing sustained QUER release and enhanced therapeutic effects. FMSNs, especially when coated with PDA, exhibit promising properties for efficient QUER delivery, providing a comprehensive approach that integrates advanced drug delivery technology and therapeutic efficacy.

Fabrication and characterization of apremilast-loaded zinc oxide-mesoporous silica nanoparticles for psoriasis treatment.

Aim: The study was aimed to formulate and evaluate apremilast-loaded zinc oxide-mesoporous silica nanoparticles for treatment of psoriasis. Materials & methods: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles were prepared by using sol-gel method and evaluated for particle size, in vitro drug release, in vitro cytotoxicity study and in vivo pharmacodynamic study. Results: The synthesized mesoporous silica nanoparticles showed particle size of 319.9 ± 3.9 nm, with 24 ± 0.217% of loading capacity. In vitro cytotoxicity study on A-431 cell line showed increased anti-psoriatic activity of apremilast-loaded zinc oxide-mesoporous silica nanoparticles. In vivo pharmacodynamic study and histological studies showed improved efficacy of drug in imiquimod-induced psoriasis mice model. Conclusion: The apremilast-loaded zinc oxide-mesoporous silica nanoparticles showed improved therapeutic efficacy, suggesting that they are promising approach for topical treatment of psoriasis.

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Silica nanoparticles containing nano-silver and chlorhexidine to suppress Porphyromonas gingivalis biofilm and modulate multispecies biofilms toward healthy tendency.

Objectives: This research first investigated the effect of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (nMS) carrying chlorhexidine and silver (nMS-nAg-Chx) on periodontitis-related biofilms. This study aimed to investigate (1) the antibacterial activity on Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) biofilm; (2) the suppressing effect on virulence of P. gingivalis biofilm; (3) the regulating effect on periodontitis-related multispecies biofilm. Methods: Silver nanoparticles (nAg) and chlorhexidine (Chx) were co-loaded into nMS to form nMS-nAg-Chx. Inhibitory zone test and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against P. gingivalis were tested. Growth curves, crystal violet (CV) staining, live/dead staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation were performed. Biofilm virulence was assessed. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and Quantitative Real Time-PCR (qPCR) were performed to validate the activity and composition changes of multispecies biofilm (P. gingivalis, Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus sanguinis). Results: nMS-nAg-Chx inhibited P. gingivalis biofilm dose-dependently (p<0.05), with MIC of 18.75 µg/mL. There were fewer live bacteria, less biomass and less virulence in nMS-nAg-Chx groups (p<0.05). nMS-nAg-Chx inhibited and modified periodontitis-related biofilms. The proportion of pathogenic bacteria decreased from 16.08 to 1.07% and that of helpful bacteria increased from 82.65 to 94.31% in 25 µg/mL nMS-nAg-Chx group for 72 h. Conclusions: nMS-nAg-Chx inhibited P. gingivalis growth, decreased biofilm virulence and modulated periodontitis-related multispecies biofilms toward healthy tendency. pH-sensitive nMS-nAg-Chx inhibit the pathogens and regulate oral microecology, showing great potential in periodontitis adjunctive therapy.

Fabrication of mesoporous silica nanoparticles for releasable delivery of licorice polysaccharide at the acne site in topical application.

Glycyrrhizae Radix et rhizome/licorice is a precious herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM's polysaccharides are medicinally active. But herbal polysaccharides pose some limitations for topical applications. Therefore, this study aimed to utilize licorice polysaccharide via mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) for anti-acne efficacy in topical delivery. The polysaccharide (GGP) was extracted with a 10 % NaOH solution. Chemical characterization suggested that GGP possesses an Mw of 267.9 kDa, comprised primarily of Glc (54.1 %) and Ara (19.12 %), and probably 1,4-linked Glc as a backbone. Then, MSN and amino-functionalized MSN were synthesized, GGP entrapped, and coated with polydopamine (PDA) to produce nanoparticle cargo. The resulted product exhibited 76 % entrapment efficiency and an in vitro release of 89 % at pH 5, which is usually an acne-prone skin's pH. Moreover, it significantly increased Sebocytes' cellular uptake. GGP effectively acted as an anti-acne agent and preserved its efficacy in synthesized nanoparticles. In vivo, the results showed that a 20 % gel of MSN-NH2-GGP@PDA could mediate an inflammatory response via inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and regulating anti-inflammatory cytokines. The MSN-NH2-GGP@PDA inhibited TLR2-activated-MAPK and NF-κB pathway triggered by heat-killed P. acnes. In conclusion, fabricated MSN entrapped GGP for biomimetic anti-acne efficacy in topical application.

Strategies to Regulate the Degradation and Clearance of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: A Review.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have attracted extensive attention as drug delivery systems because of their unique meso-structural features (high specific surface area, large pore volume, and tunable pore structure), easily modified surface, high drug-loading capacity, and sustained-release profiles. However, the enduring and non-specific enrichment of MSNs in healthy tissues may lead to toxicity due to their slow degradability and hinder their clinical application. The emergence of degradable MSNs provided a solution to this problem. The understanding of strategies to regulate degradation and clearance of these MSNs for promoting clinical trials and expanding their biological applications is essential. Here, a diverse variety of degradable MSNs regarding considerations of physiochemical properties and doping strategies of degradation, the biodistribution of MSNs in vivo, internal clearance mechanism, and adjusting physical parameters of clearance are highlighted. Finally, an overview of these degradable and clearable MSNs strategies for biosafety is provided along with an outlook of the encountered challenges.

Polymeric functionalization of mesoporous silica nanoparticles: Biomedical insights.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) endowed with polymer coatings present a versatile platform, offering notable advantages such as targeted, pH-controlled, and stimuli-responsive drug delivery. Surface functionalization, particularly through amine and carboxyl modification, enhances their suitability for polymerization, thereby augmenting their versatility and applicability. This review delves into the diverse therapeutic realms benefiting from polymer-coated MSNs, including photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), chemotherapy, RNA delivery, wound healing, tissue engineering, food packaging, and neurodegenerative disorder treatment. The multifaceted potential of polymer-coated MSNs underscores their significance as a focal point for future research endeavors and clinical applications. A comprehensive analysis of various polymers and biopolymers, such as polydopamine, chitosan, polyethylene glycol, polycaprolactone, alginate, gelatin, albumin, and others, is conducted to elucidate their advantages, benefits, and utilization across biomedical disciplines. Furthermore, this review extends its scope beyond polymerization and biomedical applications to encompass topics such as surface functionalization, chemical modification of MSNs, recent patents in the MSN domain, and the toxicity associated with MSN polymerization. Additionally, a brief discourse on green polymers is also included in review, highlighting their potential for fostering a sustainable future.

Amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles decorated by silver nanoparticles for delivery of doxorubicin in breast and cervical cancer cells.

Nanocarriers have demonstrated promising potential in the delivery of various anticancer drugs and in improving the efficiency of the treatment. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were green-synthesized using the extracts of different parts of the pomegranate plant, including the peel, flower petals, and calyx. To obtain the most efficient extract used for the green synthesis of AgNPs, all three types of synthesized nanoparticles were characterized. Then, (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs-APTES) decorated with AgNPs were fabricated via a one-pot green-synthesis method. AgNPs were directly coated on the surface of MSNs-APTES by adding pomegranate extract enriched with a source of reducing agent leading to converting the silver ion to AgNPs. The MSN-APTES-AgNPs (MSNs-AgNPs) have been thoroughly characterized using nanoparticle characterization techniques. In addition, DNA cleavage and hemolysis activities of the synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed, confirming the biocompatibility of synthesized nanoparticles. The Doxorubicin (DOX, as a breast/cervical anti-cancer drug) loading (42.8%) and release profiles were investigated via UV-visible spectroscopy. The fibroblast, breast cancer, and cervical cancer cells' viability against DOX-loaded nanoparticles were also studied. The results of this high drug loading, uniform shape, and small functionalized nanoparticles demonstrated its great potential for breast and cervical cancer management.