NIR-triggered and Thermoresponsive Core-shell nanoparticles for synergistic anticancer therapy.

Recent advancements in cancer treatment have underscored the inadequacy of conventional monotherapies in addressing complex malignant tumors. Consequently, there is a growing interest in synergistic therapies capable of overcoming the limitations of monotherapies, leading to more personalized and effective approaches. Among these, the combination of photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemotherapy has emerged as a promising avenue for tumor management. In this study, we present a novel approach utilizing thermoresponsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) as a delivery system for the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin. By incorporating photothermal agent copper sulfide (CuS) nanoparticles into the MSN, the resulting composite material exhibits potent photothermal properties. Furthermore, the integration of an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) polymer within the silica outer layer serves as a "gatekeeper", enabling precise control over drug release kinetics. This innovative nanomaterial effectively merges thermoresponsive behavior with PTT, thereby minimizing the collateral damage associated with traditional chemotherapy on healthy tissues. Moreover, in both in vitro studies using mouse breast carcinoma cells (4 T1) and in vivo experiments utilizing a 4 T1 tumor-bearing mouse model, our nanomaterials demonstrated synergistic effects, enhancing the anti-tumor efficacy of combined PTT and chemotherapy. With its remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency, robust stability, and biocompatibility, the UCST-responsive nanoplatform holds immense potential for clinical applications.

Highly functionalized pH-triggered supramolecular nanovalve for targeted cancer chemotherapy.

Chemotherapeutic drug delivery systems are commonly limited by their short half-lives, poor bioavailability, and unsuccessful targetability. Herein, pH-responsive hybrid NPs consist of benzimidazole-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (BZ-MSN) loaded with naturally occurring flavonoid quercetin (QUE-BZ-MSN). The NPs were further capped with beta-cyclodextrin (BCD) to obtain our desired BCD-QUE-BZMSN, with a zeta potential around 7.05 ± 2.37 mV and diameter about 115.2 ± 19.02 nm. The abundance of BZ onto the nanoparticles facilitates targeted quercetin chemotherapy against model lung and liver cancer cell lines. FTIR, EDX, and NMR analyses revealed evidence of possible surface functionalizations. Powder XRD analysis showed that our designed BCD-QUE-BZMSN formulation is amorphous in nature. The UV and SEM showed that our designed BCD-QUE-BZMSN has high drug entrapment efficiency and a nearly spherical morphology. In vitro, drug release assessments show controlled pH-dependent release profiles that could enhance the targeted chemotherapeutic response against mildly acidic regions in cancer cell lines. The obtained BCD-QUE-BZMSN nanovalve achieved significantly higher cytotoxic efficacy as compared to QUE alone, which was evaluated by in vitro cellular uptake against liver and lung cancer cell lines, and the cellular morphological ablation was further confirmed via inverted microscopy. The outcomes of the study imply that our designed BCD-QUE-BZMSN nanovalve is a potential carrier for cancer chemotherapeutics.

Amorphous stabilization of BCS II drugs using mesoporous silica.

This study aimed to investigate the amorphous stabilization of BCS Class II drugs using mesoporous silica as a carrier to produce amorphous solid dispersions. Ibuprofen, fenofibrate, and budesonide were selected as model drugs to evaluate the impact of molecular weight and partition coefficient on the solid state of drug-loaded mesoporous silica (MS) particles. The model drugs were loaded into three grades of MS, SYLYSIA SY730, SYLYSIA SY430, and SYLYSIA SY350, with pore diameters of 2.5 nm, 17 nm, and 21 nm, respectively, at 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1, carrier to drug ratios, and three different loading concentrations using solvent immersion and spray drying techniques. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms of SY430 and SY350 samples exhibited melting point depressions indicating constricted crystallization inside the pores, whereas SY730 samples with melting points matching the pure API may be a result of surface crystallization. Powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD) diffractograms showed all crystalline samples matched the diffraction patterns of the pure API indicating no polymorphic transitions and all 3:1 ratio samples exhibited amorphous halo profiles. Response surface regression analysis and Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis suggest carrier to drug ratios, followed by molecular weight, have the most significant impact on the crystallinity of a drug loaded into MS particles.

Design of Scaffolds Based on Zinc-Modified Marine Collagen and Bilberry Leaves Extract-Loaded Silica Nanoparticles as Wound Dressings.

Purpose: In this study, wound dressings were designed using zinc-modified marine collagen porous scaffold as host for wild bilberry (WB) leaves extract immobilized in functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN). These new composites were developed as an alternative to conventional wound dressings. In addition to the antibacterial activity of classic antibiotics, a polyphenolic extract could act as an antioxidant and/or an anti-inflammatory agent as well. Methods: Wild bilberry leaves extract was prepared by ultrasound-assisted extraction in ethanol and its properties were evaluated by UV-Vis spectroscopy (radical scavenging activity, total amount of polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and condensed tannins). The extract components were identified by HPLC, and the antidiabetic properties of the extract were evaluated via α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Spherical MSN were modified with propionic acid or proline moieties by post-synthesis method and used as carriers for the WB leaves extract. The textural and structural features of functionalized MSN were assessed by nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, small-angle XRD, SEM, TEM, and FTIR spectroscopy. The composite porous scaffolds were prepared by freeze drying of the zinc-modified collagen suspension containing WB extract loaded silica nanoparticles. Results: The properties of the new composites demonstrated enhanced properties in terms of thermal stability of the zinc-collagen scaffold, without altering the protein conformation, and stimulation of NCTC fibroblasts mobility. The results of the scratch assay showed contributions of both zinc ions from collagen and the polyphenolic extract incorporated in functionalized silica in the wound healing process. The extract encapsulated in functionalized MSN proved enhanced biological activities compared to the extract alone: better inhibition of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus strains, higher biocompatibility on HaCaT keratinocytes, and anti-inflammatory potential demonstrated by reduced IL-1ß and TNF-α levels. Conclusion: The experimental data shows that the novel composites can be used for the development of effective wound dressings.

Surface-modified, zinc-incorporated mesoporous silica nanoparticles with improved antibacterial and rapid hemostatic properties.

Severe bleeding and bacterial infections pose significant challenges to the global public health. Effective hemostatic materials have the potential to be used for rapid control of bleeding at the wound site. In this study, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) were doped with zinc ions (MSN@Zn) and subsequently functionalized with carboxyl (-COOH) groups through post-grafting, resulting in (MSN@Zn-COOH). The results demonstrated the successful functionalization of carboxyl groups on the surface of MSN@Zn mesoporous materials with minimal impact on the morphology. The released zinc ions showed potent antibacterial activity (above ∼80 %) against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). In vitro and in vivo assessments of MSN@Zn-COOH revealed excellent hemostatic effects and favorable blood compatibility. Hemolysis percentages associated with MSN@Zn-COOH exhibited noteworthy reductions in comparison to MSN. Furthermore, a decrease in APTT (a test evaluating the intrinsic coagulation pathway) of modified MSN@Zn indicated enhanced hemostasis, supported by their negative zeta potential (∼ -14 to -43 mV). Importantly, all samples showed no cytotoxicity. This work underscores the potential of MSN@Zn-COOH, with its combined hemostatic performance and antibacterial activity, for emergency clinical applications.

Hybrid Nanoparticles Based on Mesoporous Silica and Functionalized Biopolymers as Drug Carriers for Chemotherapeutic Agents.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are promising drug carriers for cancer therapy. Their functionalization with ligands for specific tissue/cell targeting and stimuli-responsive cap materials for sealing drugs within the pores of MSNs is extensively studied for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. The objective of the present work was to establish MSNs as ideal nanocarriers of anticancer drugs such as 5-FU and silymarin by exploiting characteristics such as their large surface area, pore size, and biocompatibility. Furthermore, coating with various biopolymeric materials such as carboxymethyl chitosan-dopamine and hyaluronic acid-folic acid on their surface would allow them to play the role of ligands in the process of active targeting to tumor cells in which there is an overexpression of specific receptors for them. From the results obtained, it emerged, in fact, that these hybrid nanoparticles not only inhibit the growth of glioblastoma and breast cancer cells, but also act as pH-responsive release systems potentially useful as release vectors in tumor environments.

Advancing Adsorption and Separation with Modified SBA-15: A Comprehensive Review and Future Perspectives.

Mesoporous silica SBA-15 has emerged as a promising adsorbent and separation material due to its unique structural and physicochemical properties. To further enhance its performance, various surface modification strategies, including metal oxide and noble metal incorporation for improved catalytic activity and stability, organic functionalization with amino and thiol groups for enhanced adsorption capacity and selectivity, and inorganic-organic composite modification for synergistic effects, have been extensively explored. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in the surface modification of SBA-15 for adsorption and separation applications. The synthesis methods, structural properties, and advantages of SBA-15 are discussed, followed by a detailed analysis of the different modification strategies and their structure-performance relationships. The adsorption and separation performance of functionalized SBA-15 materials in the removal of organic pollutants, heavy metal ions, gases, and biomolecules, as well as in chromatographic and solid-liquid separation, is critically evaluated. Despite the significant progress, challenges and opportunities for future research are identified, including the development of low-cost and sustainable synthesis routes, rational design of SBA-15-based materials with tailored properties, and integration into practical applications. This review aims to guide future research efforts in developing advanced SBA-15-based materials for sustainable environmental and industrial applications, with an emphasis on green and scalable modification strategies.

Mesoporous Silica with an Alveolar Construction Obtained by Eco-Friendly Treatment of Rice Husks.

The high silicon content in rice plant waste, specifically rice husks, makes this waste by-product attractive for the extraction and valorization of silicon oxide, which is widely used as an inert support in catalysis, drug delivery and molecular sieving. The procedures currently used for the treatment of plant biomass make extensive use of mineral acids (HCl, H2SO4, HNO3), which, besides them being potential environmental pollutants, reduce the yield and worsen the chemical-physical properties of the product. In this study, an evaluation of the easy treatment of rice husks by benchmarking different, more eco-friendly carboxylic acids in order to obtain a mesoporous SiO2 with an alveolar structure and a relatively high surface area and pore volume (300-420 m2/g, 0.37-0.46 cm3/g) is presented. The obtained mesoporous silicas are characterized by worm-like pores with a narrow size distribution and a maximum in the range of 3.4-3.5 nm. The mesoporous structure of the obtained materials was also confirmed by TEM. The complete removal of the organic part of the rice husks in the final materials was evidenced by thermogravimetric analysis. The high purity of the obtained mesoporous silica was detected using ICP analysis (98.8 wt. %). The structure peculiarities of the obtained mesoporous silicas were also characterized by solid-state NMR and ATR-FTIR spectroscopies. The morphology of the mesoporous silica was investigated by SEM.

Dual-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Celecoxib Delivery: Amine Grafting and Imidazolyl PEI Gatekeepers for Enhanced Loading and Controlled Release with Reduced Toxicity.

The development of targeted drug delivery systems has been a pivotal area in nanomedicine, addressing challenges like low drug loading capacity, uncontrolled release, and systemic toxicity. This study aims to develop and evaluate dual-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) for targeted delivery of celecoxib, enhancing drug loading, achieving controlled release, and reducing systemic toxicity through amine grafting and imidazolyl polyethyleneimine (PEI) gatekeepers. MSN were synthesized using the sol-gel method and functionalized with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) to create amine-grafted MSN (MSN-NH2). Celecoxib was loaded into MSN-NH2, followed by conjugation of imidazole-functionalized PEI (IP) gatekeepers synthesized via carbodiimide coupling. Characterization was conducted using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR). Drug loading capacity, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro drug release at pH 5.5 and 7.4 were evaluated. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay on RAW 264.7 macrophages. The synthesized IP was confirmed by FTIR and 1H-NMR. Amine-grafted MSN demonstrated a celecoxib loading capacity of 12.91 ± 2.02%, 2.1 times higher than non-functionalized MSN. In vitro release studies showed pH-responsive behavior with significantly higher celecoxib release from MSN-NH2-celecoxib-IP at pH 5.5 compared to pH 7.4, achieving a 33% increase in release rate within 2 h. Cytotoxicity tests indicated significantly higher cell viability for IP-treated cells compared to PEI-treated cells, confirming reduced toxicity. The dual-functionalization of MSN with amine grafting and imidazolyl PEI gatekeepers enhances celecoxib loading and provides controlled pH-responsive drug release while reducing systemic toxicity. These findings highlight the potential of this advanced drug delivery system for targeted anti-inflammatory and anticancer therapies.

Theranostics Using MCM-41-Based Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: Integrating Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Novel Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Treatment.

Advanced breast cancer remains a significant oncological challenge, requiring new approaches to improve clinical outcomes. This study investigated an innovative theranostic agent using the MCM-41-NH2-DTPA-Gd3⁺-MIH nanomaterial, which combined MRI imaging for detection and a novel chemotherapy agent (MIH 2.4Bl) for treatment. The nanomaterial was based on the mesoporous silica type, MCM-41, and was optimized for drug delivery via functionalization with amine groups and conjugation with DTPA and complexation with Gd3+. MRI sensitivity was enhanced by using gadolinium-based contrast agents, which are crucial in identifying early neoplastic lesions. MIH 2.4Bl, with its unique mesoionic structure, allows effective interactions with biomolecules that facilitate its intracellular antitumoral activity. Physicochemical characterization confirmed the nanomaterial synthesis and effective drug incorporation, with 15% of MIH 2.4Bl being adsorbed. Drug release assays indicated that approximately 50% was released within 8 h. MRI phantom studies demonstrated the superior imaging capability of the nanomaterial, with a relaxivity significantly higher than that of the commercial agent Magnevist. In vitro cellular cytotoxicity assays, the effectiveness of the nanomaterial in killing MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells was demonstrated at an EC50 concentration of 12.6 mg/mL compared to an EC50 concentration of 68.9 mg/mL in normal human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs). In vivo, MRI evaluation in a 4T1 syngeneic mouse model confirmed its efficacy as a contrast agent. This study highlighted the theranostic capabilities of MCM-41-NH2-DTPA-Gd3⁺-MIH and its potential to enhance breast cancer management.

Cellulase-responsive hydroxypropyl cellulose-anchored hollow mesoporous silica carriers for pesticide delivery.

In this study, a cellulase-responsive controlled-release formulation (FPR-HMS-HPC) was developed by grafting hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) onto fipronil (FPR) loaded hollow mesoporous silica (HMS) nanoparticles via ester linkage. The FPR-HMS-HPC formulation was characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopies, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results indicated that FPR-HMS-HPC exhibited a high loading capacity of 10.0 % (w/w) and demonstrated favorable responsiveness to cellulase enzyme. Moreover, its insecticidal efficacy against Reticulitermes flaviceps surpassed that of an equivalent dose of FPR. Toxicology studies showed that the mortality and hatching rates of zebrafish exposed to FPR-HMS-HPC nanoparticles were reduced by >6.5 and 8.0 times, respectively. Thus, HPC-anchored HMS nanoparticles as insecticide delivery systems present a sustainable method for pest control significantly reducing harm to non-target organisms and the environment.

Antibacterial activity of a silver-incorporated vancomycin-modified mesoporous silica against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Since conventional antibiotics are almost ineffective on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains, designing their antibacterial alternatives is necessary. Besides, the use of vancomycin is applied for specific detection of the bacteria. Silver-incorporated vancomycin-modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs@Van@Ag NPs) were designed for detection and treatment of MRSA bacteria. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were synthesized through the template method, modified with vancomycin, and finally incorporated with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The MSNs@Van@Ag NPs with a homogenously spherical shape, average size of 50-100 nm, surface area of 955.8 m2/g, and thermal stability up to 200°C were successfully characterized. The amount of Ag incorporated into the MSNs@Van@Ag was calculated at 3.9 ppm and the release amount of Ag was received at 2.92 ppm (75%) after 100 h. The in vitro antibacterial susceptibility test showed the MIC of 100 µg mL-1 for MSNs@Van and 50 µg mL-1 for MSNs@Van@Ag, showing in vitro enhanced effect of Ag and vancomycin in the bactericidal process. An in vivo acute pneumonia model was performed and biochemical assays and pathological studies confirmed the nanomedicine's short-term safety for in vivo application. Cytokine assay using ELISA showed that MSN@Van@Ag causes a reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and bacterial proliferation leading to alleviation of inflammatory response.

Prostate cancer chemotherapy by intratumoral administration of Docetaxel-Mesoporous silica nanomedicines.

Docetaxel (DTX) is a recommended treatment in patients with metastasic prostate cancer (PCa), despite its therapeutic efficacy is limited by strong systemic toxicity. However, in localized PCa, intratumoral (IT) administration of DTX could be an alternative to consider that may help to overcome the disadvantages of conventional intravenous (IV) therapy. In this context, we here present the first in vivo preclinical study of PCa therapy with nanomedicines of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) and DTX by IT injection over a xenograft mouse model bearing human prostate adenocarcinoma tumors. The efficacy and tolerability, the biodistribution and the histopathology after therapy have been investigated for the DTX nanomedicine and the free drug, and compared with the IV administration of DTX. The obtained results demonstrate that IT injection of DTX and DTX nanomedicines allows precise and selective therapy of non-metastatic PCa and minimize systemic diffusion of the drug, showing superior activity than IV route. This allows reducing the therapeutic dose by one order and widens substantially the therapeutic window for this drug. Furthermore, the use of DTX nanomedicines as IT injection promotes strong antitumor efficacy and drug accumulation at the tumor site, improving the results obtained with the free drug by the same route.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles: a versatile carrier platform in lung cancer management.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) are inorganic nanoparticles that have been comprehensively investigated and are intended to deliver therapeutic agents. MSNPs have revolutionized the therapy for various conditions, especially cancer and infectious diseases. In this article, the viability of MSNPs' administration for lung cancer therapy has been reviewed. However, certain challenges lay ahead in the successful translation such as toxicology, immunology, large-scale production, and regulatory matters have made it extremely difficult to translate such discoveries from the bench to the bedside. This review highlights recent developments, characteristics, mechanism of action and customization for targeted delivery. This review also covers the most recent data that sheds light on MSNPs' extraordinary therapeutic potential in fighting lung cancer as well as future hurdles.

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Mesoporous silica thin film as effective coating for enhancing osteogenesis through selective protein adsorption and blood clotting.

The role of blood clots in tissue repair has been identified for a long time; however, its participation in the integration between implants and host tissues has attracted attention only in recent years. In this work, a mesoporous silica thin film (MSTF) with either vertical or parallel orientation was deposited on titania nanotubes surface, resulting in superhydrophilic nanoporous surfaces. A proteomic analysis of blood plasma adsorption revealed that the MSTF coating could significantly increase the abundance of acidic proteins and the adsorption of coagulation factors (XII and XI), with the help of cations (Na+, Ca2+) binding. As a result, both the activation of platelets and the formation of blood clots were significantly enhanced on the MSTF surface with more condensed fibrin networks. The two classical growth factors of platelets-derived growth factors-AB and transformed growth factors-ßwere enriched in blood clots from the MSTF surface, which accounted for robust osteogenesis bothin vitroandin vivo. This study demonstrates that MSTF may be a promising coating to enhance osteogenesis by modulating blood clot formation.

Solid-Phase Electrochemiluminescence Enzyme Electrodes Based on Nanocage Arrays for Highly Sensitive Detection of Cholesterol.

The convenient and sensitive detection of metabolites is of great significance for understanding human health status and drug development. Solid-phase electrochemiluminescence (ECL) enzyme electrodes show great potential in metabolite detection based on the enzyme-catalyzed reaction product hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Herein, a solid-phase ECL enzyme sensor was fabricated based on a confined emitter and an immobilized enzyme using electrostatic nanocage array, constructing a platform for the sensitive detection of cholesterol. The electrostatic cage nanochannel consists of a bipolar and bilayer vertically aligned mesoporous silica film (bp-VMSF). The upper layer of bp-VMSF is an amino-modified, positively charged VMSF (p-VMSF), and the lower layer is a negatively charged VMSF (n-VMSF). The most commonly used ECL probe tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)32+) is fixed in n-VMSF by electrostatic adsorption from n-VMSF and electrostatic repulsion from the upper p-VMSF, generating significantly enhanced and stable ECL signals. The successful preparation of the electrostatic cage was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical methods. After amino groups on the outer surface of bp-VMSF were derivatized with aldehyde, cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) molecules were covalently immobilized. The successful construction of the enzyme electrode was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). When the corresponding enzyme substrate, cholesterol, was present in the solution, the ECL signal of Ru(bpy)32+ was quenched by the enzyme-catalyzed reaction product H2O2, enabling the high-sensitivity detection of cholesterol. The linear range for detecting cholesterol was from 0.05 mM to 5.0 mM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.5 µM.

Antibacterial properties of mesoporous silica coated with cerium oxide nanoparticles in dental resin composite.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles are known for their antibacterial effects resulting from Ce3+ to Ce4+ conversion. Application of such cerium oxide nanoparticles in dentistry has been previously considered but limited due to deterioration of mechanical properties. Hence, this study aimed to examine mesoporous silica (MCM-41) coated with cerium oxide nanoparticles and evaluate the antibacterial effects and mechanical properties when applied to dental composite resin. Cerium oxide nanoparticles were coated on the MCM-41 surface using the sol-gel method by adding cerium oxide nanoparticle precursor to the MCM-41 dispersion. The samples were tested for antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans via CFU and MTT assays. The mechanical properties were assessed by flexural strength and depth of cure according to ISO 4049. Data were analyzed using a t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey's post-hoc test (p = 0.05). The experimental group showed significantly increased antibacterial properties compared to the control groups (p < 0.005). The flexural strength exhibited a decreasing trend as the amount of cerium oxide nanoparticle-coated MCM-41 increased. However, the flexural strength and depth of cure values of the silane group met the ISO 4049 standard. Antibacterial properties increased with increasing amounts of cerium oxide nanoparticles. Although the mechanical properties decreased, silane treatment overcame this drawback. Hence, the cerium oxide nanoparticles coated on MCM-41 may be used for dental resin composite.

Candesartan Cilexetil Formulations in Mesoporous Silica: Preparation, Enhanced Dissolution In Vitro, and Oral Bioavailability In Vivo.

Candesartan cilexetil (CC) is one of well-tolerated antihypertensive drugs, while its poor solubility and low bioavailability limit its use. Herein, two mesoporous silica (Syloid XDP 3150 and Syloid AL-1 FP) and the corresponding amino-modified products (N-XDP 3150 and N-AL-1 FP) have been selected as the carriers of Candesartan cilexetil to prepare solid dispersion through solvent immersion, and characterized through using powder X-ray diffraction analysis, infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, etc. The state of CC changed from crystalline to amorphous after loading onto the silica carriers, in which no interactions between CC and silica existed. Then, the dissolution behaviors in vitro were studied through using flow-through cell dissolution method. CC-XDP 3150 sample exhibited the most extensive dissolution, and the cumulative release of CC from it was 1.88-fold larger than that of CC. Moreover, the pharmacokinetic results in rats revealed that the relative bioavailability of CC-XDP 3150 and CC-N-XDP 3150 solid dispersions were estimated to be 326 % % and 238 % % in comparison with CC, respectively. Clearly, pore size, pore volume, and surface properties of silica carrier have remarkable effect on loading, dissolution and bioavailability of CC. In brief, this work will provide valuable information in construction of mesoporous silica-based delivery system toward poorly water-soluble drugs.

Induction of antiherbivore defense responses in poplars using a methyl jasmonate and mesoporous silica nanoparticle complex.

BACKGROUND: Poplar in China has long been plagued by the fall webworm Hyphantria cunea. Enhancing plant immunity using chemical elicitors is an environmentally friendly approach to pest control. The phytohormone methyl jasmonate (MeJA) can stimulate the chemical defenses of poplars against herbivores but has been shown to have limited efficacy in practice. Here, we studied the effects of a MeJA and mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) complex (MeJA@MSN) regarding the induction of poplar resistance to H. cunea, which may provide strategies for the effective use of MeJA. RESULTS: The silicon-based phytohormone complex (MeJA@MSNs) exhibited excellent biological and physiochemical properties, such as excellent biocompatibility and plant tissue transportability. The changes in metabolites in poplar leaves induced by MeJA, MSNs, and MeJA@MSNs were investigated by metabolic analysis. MeJA@MSNs led to highly potent induced resistance along with elevated salicylaldehyde content, which increased with the dose administered. The salicylaldehyde metabolite showed a strong antifeedant effect on H. cunea larvae at a dosage of 1 µg, with the 50% lethal dose being 20.4 µg/mg. Furthermore, transcriptional analysis showed that MeJA@MSNs upregulated key genes in biosynthetic pathways more than MeJA and MSNs. CONCLUSION: Our results show that MeJA and MSNs interact positively in poplar, leading to salicylaldehyde accumulation and increased induced resistance to H. cunea, providing new insights into the underlying resistance mechanisms induced by MeJA@MSNs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Poly (lactic acid)/ amine grafted mesoporous silica-based composite for food packaging application.

The present study focuses on the development of environmentally friendly bio-composite films using poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a biopolymer matrix. This is achieved by incorporating amine functionalized green mesoporous silica (GMS) and employing a solution casting method for film fabrication. The motivation behind the work is to improve the compatibility between PLA and green mesoporous silica sourced from rice husk by functionalizing GMS with APTES (3-Aminopropyltriethoxy silane). The primary objective is to explore how the inclusion of GMS influences both the physicochemical attributes and the efficacy of active food packaging in PLA. The introduction of GMS to the PLA matrix not only improves the flexibility of PLA/GMS composite films but also enhances their overall performance. The reinforcement of GMS in the PLA matrix has also significantly contributed towards the reduction in oxygen transmittance rate and provided an anti-bacterial effect towards pathogen i.e. S. aureus and E. coli. The PLA/GMS composite films exhibit antioxidant activity acting as potential scavengers with around 78 % efficacy against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). Consequently, the PLA/GMS composite formulation proposed in this study shows promising outcomes in terms of strength, flexibility, antioxidant properties, and antibacterial characteristics. Also, the PLA/GMS films extended the shelf life of cut apple samples for seven days.