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Published on: November 19, 2018
pH-responsive poly(methacrylic acid)-grafted hollow silica vesicles
Chee Leng Lay1, Hui Ru Tan, Xuehong Lu
1Institution of Materials Research and Engineering, 3 Research Link, Singapore 117602.
Chemistry (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|February 15, 2011
Summary
Poly(methacrylic acid)-grafted hollow silica vesicles exhibit pH-responsive solubility and controlled release. These functionalized silica vesicles show potential for targeted drug delivery applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Hollow silica vesicles offer unique structural properties for advanced applications.
- Grafting polymers onto inorganic nanoparticles enhances their functionality and biocompatibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize poly(methacrylic acid)-grafted hollow silica vesicles using a grafting-from approach.
- To investigate the pH-dependent behavior and drug loading/release capabilities of these functionalized vesicles.
Main Methods:
- Atom-transfer radical polymerization of sodium methacrylate on initiator-functionalized hollow silica spheres.
- Characterization using TEM, TGA, FTIR, and pH-dependent zeta potential measurements.
- Encapsulation and release studies with calcein blue and FITC-labeled dextran.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of poly(methacrylic acid)-grafted hollow silica vesicles.
- Demonstrated pH-dependent solubility: low at pH 3.4 and high at pH > 7.
- Efficient encapsulation of model drugs at low pH and pH-triggered release at neutral pH.
Conclusions:
- Poly(methacrylic acid)-grafted hollow silica vesicles exhibit tunable solubility and drug release properties based on pH.
- These materials show promise as pH-responsive drug delivery systems.
