Biocompatibility of a sonochemically synthesized poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide)/silica nanocomposite

Abstract

A novel inorganic–organic core–shell nanocomposite, poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) coated silica nanoparticles (PNIPA-g-FSNP), has been synthesized sonochemically for the first time following the principles of green methods. The sonochemical method eliminates the requirement for organic solvents, cross-linkers and hydrophobic agents used in the conventional miniemulsion technique. The method not only increases the reaction rate, but also leads to regular size distribution of the products. The composites are characterized by TEM, SAED, EDX, DLS, Z potential, FTIR and TGA. The biocompatibility of the synthesized materials has been studied in the light of protein adsorption, histopathology, haematological and non-thrombogenic property for probable use in the field of safe drug delivery. Bare silica nanoparticle has drug loading capability, but it lacks haemo-compatibility, tissue specificity and site directing ability.