Synthesis and Characterization of Zinc and Magnesium Doped Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Targeted Cancer Therapy and Bone Metastasis Prevention
Carla Caramella 1*
Biosensors and Nanotheranostics 2(1) 1-9 https://doi.org/10.25163/biosensors.219841
Submitted: 18 June 2023 Revised: 16 August 2023 Published: 20 August 2023
Abstract
Background: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have gained significant attention as carriers in targeted drug delivery systems due to their high surface area, porous structure, and low cellular toxicity. The size and morphology of MSNs are critical for biomedical applications, with particles around 100 nm in diameter exhibiting optimal uptake and reduced cytotoxicity. In cancer treatment, MSNs can be doped with therapeutic ions, such as zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg), to enhance efficacy and minimize adverse effects. This study aims to synthesize MSNs doped with Zn and Mg to target bone metastasis and cancer treatment. Methods: MSNs were synthesized using the sol-gel method based on the Stöber process. The effects of synthesis conditions, including stirring rate and aging time, on MSN size and morphology were investigated. Zn and Mg ions were doped into the MSNs via an impregnation method, and the nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. Results: The optimal conditions for synthesizing spherical MSNs around 100 nm were identified by adjusting stirring rates and aging times. The resulting MSNs demonstrated favorable morphology and stability for drug delivery applications, with a zeta potential of -33.38 mV. Upon doping with Zn and Mg, the zeta potential decreased to -17.7 mV for Zn-doped MSNs, -14.9 mV for Mg-doped MSNs, and -17.9 mV for Zn and Mg co-doped MSNs, indicating successful ion incorporation. FTIR and XRD analyses showed no significant changes in the silica network post-doping, while BET analysis confirmed mesoporous characteristics. Conclusion: The study successfully synthesized MSNs doped with Zn and Mg ions under optimized conditions, achieving desirable size, morphology, and stability for targeted drug delivery in cancer treatment. The combination of Zn and Mg in MSNs presents potential synergistic effects in preventing bone metastasis and minimizing cytotoxicity. Further studies are required to investigate the release kinetics and therapeutic efficacy of these doped nanoparticles.
Keywords: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), Zinc and magnesium doping, Targeted drug delivery, Bone metastasis prevention, Cancer treatment
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