pH-Responsive sulphonated mesoporous silica: a comparative drug release study

Abstract

Control of morphology and surface functionalization of mesoporous silica materials have enhanced the biocompatibility of these materials with high surface areas and total pore volumes. The functionalization of mesoporous silica materials with organic moieties exhibited controlled release and molecular recognition capabilities for drug delivery. Design of functional mesoporous silica with various mechanisms of controlled release and introduction of new characteristics is very interesting for the construction of highly selective drug carrier. Loading of procaine hydrochloride drug (PrHy) into functionalized KIT-6-SO₃H and SBA-15-SO₃H was investigated by a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technique and UV-visible spectroscopy. The release was carefully studied by systematically tuning the pH media at simulating gastric fluid without pepsin (SGF, pH 2) and simulating intestinal fluid without pancreatin (SIF, pH 7.4), as well.