Modified release from lipid bilayer coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles using PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymers

Triblock copolymers comprised of poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO-PPO-PEO, or trade name Pluronic) interact with lipid bilayers to increase their permeability. Here we demonstrate a novel application of Pluronic L61 and L64 as modification agents in tailoring the release rate of a molecular indicator species from 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) bilayer-coated superparamagnetic Fe3O4/mesoporous silica core-shell nanoparticles. We show there is a direct relationship between the Pluronics' concentration and the indicator molecule release, suggesting Pluronics may be useful for the controlled release of drugs from lipid bilayer-coated carriers.