Breakthrough in Nanotechnology: pH-Responsive Drug Delivery using Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Institut Teknologi Bandung have made a significant breakthrough in the field of nanotechnology, developing a new approach for targeted drug delivery using mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). The study, led by Narra J, aimed to create a pH-responsive gatekeeper to control the release of an anti-inflammatory agent, celecoxib, from MSNs. The research reveals that histidine-modified poly-L-lysine (PLL-His) can effectively function as a pH-responsive gatekeeper, enhancing drug targeting and reducing premature release.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study utilized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as effective platforms for drug delivery due to their high surface area, adjustable pore sizes, and biocompatibility.
  • Histidine-modified poly-L-lysine (PLL-His) was used as a pH-responsive gatekeeper to control the release of celecoxib from MSNs, demonstrating minimal release in acidic conditions and sustained release at physiological pH.
  • Characterization of MSNs was conducted using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, and particle size analysis.
  • Results showed that PLL-His-modified MSNs exhibited increased surface area and pore volume, and particle size analysis revealed suitability for cellular uptake.
  • The research highlights the potential of PLL-His-modified MSNs as a promising model for pH-sensitive, targeted drug delivery, with potential applications across various therapeutic areas.
  • The integration of PLL-His as a pH-responsive gatekeeper represents a significant advancement in the design of smart drug delivery systems.

Statistics:

  • Particle size of MSN-NH-drug-PLL and MSN-NH-drug-PLL-His was 237.10 ± 6.56 nm and 234.03 ± 14.65 nm, respectively.
  • BET analysis confirmed an increased surface area and pore volume after the removal of CTAB, demonstrating successful mesopore formation.
  • Drug release tests were performed in simulated gastric (pH 1.2) and physiological (pH 7.4) conditions, revealing minimal release in acidic conditions and sustained release at physiological pH.

Sources:

  • "Enhanced delivery of anti-inflammatory therapeutics using pH-responsive histidine-modified poly-L-lysine on mesoporous silica nanoparticles." Narra J, 2025;5(1).
  • NewsRx. Institut Teknologi Bandung Reports Findings in Nanoparticles (Enhanced delivery of anti-inflammatory therapeutics using pH-responsive histidine-modified poly-L-lysine on mesoporous silica nanoparticles). Nanotechnology Weekly. May 26, 2025; p 458.