A redox responsive controlled release system using mesoporous silica nanoparticles capped with Au nanoparticles

Abstract

A novel redox responsive controlled release system based on the host–guest interaction between ferrocene modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN-Fc) and β-cyclodextrin modified gold nanoparticles (Au@CD) was developed. FITC was used as the release molecule and it was loaded into the pores of MSN-Fc. With the addition of oxidant (H₂O₂), oxidized ferrocene leaves the hydrophobic cavity of β-CD, resulting in cargo controlled release. Due to the structural properties of the modified MSN, the continuously slow release behavior showed the prospect to be a sustained drug delivery system. This novel redox responsive system possessed stimuli-responsive controlled release and sustained release properties, and therefore has potential applications in sustained and targeted drug delivery.