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Updated: Apr 22, 2026

Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
Mold-templated inorganic-organic hybrid supraparticles for codelivery of drugs
James W Maina1, Jiwei Cui, Mattias Björnmalm
1ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, ‡Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, §Department of Otolaryngology, and ∥Department of Medical Bionics, The University of Melbourne , Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
Abstract:
This paper reports a facile and robust mold-templated technique for the assembly of mesoporous silica (MS) supraparticles and demonstrates their potential as vehicles for codelivery of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and dexamethasone (DEX). The MS supraparticles are assembled using gelatin as a biodegradable adhesive to bind and cross-link the particles. Microfabricated molds made of polydimethylsiloxane are used to control the size and shape of the supraparticles. The obtained mesoporous silica-gelatin hybrid supraparticles (MSG-SPs) are stable in water as well as in organic solvents, such as dimethyl sulfoxide, and efficiently coencapsulate both BDNF and DEX. The MSG-SPs also exhibit sustained release kinetics in simulated physiological conditions (>30 days), making them potential candidates for long-term delivery of therapeutics to the inner ear.
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