Applications of Mesoporous Silica Nanostructures

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Synthesis, Interfaces and Nanostructures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (12 November 2021) | Viewed by 36600

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Fine Chemistry, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Korea
Interests: mesoporous silica nanoparticles; hollow structure; fluorescent nanoparticles; mesoporous organosilica; mesoporous metal/metal oxide; adsorption; catalysis; drug release
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Following the discovery of MCM-41-type ordered mesoporous silica (MS) by Mobil corporation scientists in 1992, considerable progress has been made, particulaly in the past decade, in the synthesis of mesoporous materials with a defined topology and morphology. In particular, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have received great attention on biomedical applications as well as heterogeneous catalysis. MSNs have been intensively suggested for use as controlled drug/gene delivery carriers, biosensors, biomarkers, enzyme supporters, cell imaging, disease diagnosis, and so on. Even though various synthesis methods of MSNs have been reported, monodisperse and discrete size below 200 nm, versatile organic modification, chemical stability/degradability, and easy large-scale purification are still challenging for any industrial application of MSNs.

This Special Issue intends to compile a self-contained set of papers related to new synthesis methods and versatile applications of mesoporous silica nanoparticles that can give a realistic picture of current state-of-the-art research in this cutting-edge field, especially for the biomedical and catalysis area. These may be mini-reviews, research papers, or short communications describing new breakthroughs.

All researchers in the field are cordially encouraged to submit their manuscripts for consideration of publication in this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Eun-Bum Cho
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • mesoporous silica nanoparticle
  • mesoporous organosilica nanoparticle
  • hollow silica nanoparticle
  • hollow organosilica nanoparticle
  • biomedical applications
  • catalysis

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 7510 KiB  
Article
Newly Designed Mesoporous Silica and Organosilica Nanostructures Based on Pentablock Copolymer Templates in Weakly Acidic Media
by Nabanita Pal, Young Sunwoo, Jae-Seo Park, Taeyeon Kim and Eun-Bum Cho
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(10), 2522; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11102522 - 27 Sep 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1730
Abstract
We developed a new category of porous silica and organosilicas nanostructures in a facile method based on weakly acidic aqueous-ethanol media by utilizing two different pentablock copolymer templates of type PLGA-PEO-PPO-PEO-PLGA. Pluronic block templates were used mainly to prepare these pentablock copolymers with [...] Read more.
We developed a new category of porous silica and organosilicas nanostructures in a facile method based on weakly acidic aqueous-ethanol media by utilizing two different pentablock copolymer templates of type PLGA-PEO-PPO-PEO-PLGA. Pluronic block templates were used mainly to prepare these pentablock copolymers with different molecular weights and volume ratios. Silica precursor tetraethyl orthosilicate and organosilicas precursor 1,4-bis(triethoxysilyl)benzene have been used as main source for synthesizing the silica and organosilicas samples. Weak Lewis acids iron(III) chloride hexahydrate, aluminum(III) chloride hexahydrate, and boric acid were utilized as catalyst instead of any strong inorganic acids and the molar ratio of catalyst/precursor has been optimized to 1–2 for preparation of ordered mesostructures. Reaction temperatures have been optimized to 25 °C for pure silica and both 25 °C as well as 40 °C for organosilicas to get the best result for mesostructures. A detailed analysis by using various analytical techniques like synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering, nitrogen sorption, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscope, solid-state 29Si CP-MAS nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and so on has revealed well developed mesostructures with surface area of 388–836 m2/g for silica and 210–691 m2/g for organosilica samples, respectively. Furthermore, bimodal typepores have been observed from pore size distribution plot of the samples. Thermal stability of the materials was up to 400 °C as analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Mesoporous Silica Nanostructures)
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22 pages, 4794 KiB  
Article
Design of PEGylated Three Ligands Silica Nanoparticles for Multi-Receptor Targeting
by Manon Maurel, Titouan Montheil, Julie Martin, Line Chaar, Veronica Guzman-Gonzalez, Morgane Couvet, Thibault Jacquet, Tao Jia, Beatrice Eymin, Karine Parra, Pascal Dumy, Jean Martinez, Florence Ruggiero, Elisabeth Vaganay, Ahmad Mehdi, Jean-Luc Coll and Gilles Subra
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(1), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11010177 - 12 Jan 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3141
Abstract
The synthesis of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) decorated on their surface with a range of various elements (e.g., ligands, drugs, fluorophores, vectors, etc.) in a controlled ratio remains a big challenge. We have previously developed an efficient strategy to obtain in one-step, well-defined multifunctional [...] Read more.
The synthesis of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) decorated on their surface with a range of various elements (e.g., ligands, drugs, fluorophores, vectors, etc.) in a controlled ratio remains a big challenge. We have previously developed an efficient strategy to obtain in one-step, well-defined multifunctional fluorescent SiNPs displaying fluorophores and two peptides ligands as targeting elements, allowing selective detection of cancer cells. In this paper, we demonstrate that additional level of controlled multifunctionality can be achieved, getting even closer to the original concept of “magic bullet”, using solely sol–gel chemistry to achieve conjugation of PEG chains for stealth, along with three different ligands. In addition, we have answered the recurrent question of the surface ungrafting by investigating the stability of different siloxane linkages with the ERETIC Method (Electronic Reference to Access In Vivo Concentrations) by 19F NMR quantification. We also compared the efficiency of the hybrid silylated fluorophore covalent linkage in the core of the SiNP to conventional methods. Finally, the tumor-cell-targeting efficiency of these multi-ligand NPs on human endothelial cells (HUVEC or HDMEC) and mixed spheroids of human melanoma cells and HUVEC displaying different types of receptors were evaluated in vitro. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Mesoporous Silica Nanostructures)
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10 pages, 3206 KiB  
Article
Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Water-Glass-Based Silica Aerogels via Catechol-Based Modifier
by Hyeonjung Kim, Kangyong Kim, Hyunhong Kim, Doo Jin Lee and Jongnam Park
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(12), 2406; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10122406 - 01 Dec 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3377
Abstract
Silica aerogels have attracted much attention owing to their excellent thermal insulation properties. However, the conventional synthesis of silica aerogels involves the use of expensive and toxic alkoxide precursors and surface modifiers such as trimethylchlorosilane. In this study, cost-effective water-glass silica aerogels were [...] Read more.
Silica aerogels have attracted much attention owing to their excellent thermal insulation properties. However, the conventional synthesis of silica aerogels involves the use of expensive and toxic alkoxide precursors and surface modifiers such as trimethylchlorosilane. In this study, cost-effective water-glass silica aerogels were synthesized using an eco-friendly catechol derivative surface modifier instead of trimethylchlorosilane. Polydopamine was introduced to increase adhesion to the SiO2 surface. The addition of 4-tert-butyl catechol and hexylamine imparted hydrophobicity to the surface and suppressed the polymerization of the polydopamine. After an ambient pressure drying process, catechol-modified aerogel exhibited a specific surface area of 377 m2/g and an average pore diameter of approximately 21 nm. To investigate their thermal conductivities, glass wool sheets were impregnated with catechol-modified aerogel. The thermal conductivity was 40.4 mWm−1K−1, which is lower than that of xerogel at 48.7 mWm−1K−1. Thus, by precisely controlling the catechol coating in the mesoporous framework, an eco-friendly synthetic method for aerogel preparation is proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Mesoporous Silica Nanostructures)
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18 pages, 5816 KiB  
Article
Dual Stimuli-Responsive Copper Nanoparticles Decorated SBA-15: A Highly Efficient Catalyst for the Oxidation of Alcohols in Water
by Anju Maria Thomas, Jerome Peter, Saravanan Nagappan, Anandhu Mohan and Chang-Sik Ha
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(10), 2051; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10102051 - 16 Oct 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2112
Abstract
In the present work, a temperature and pH-responsive hybrid catalytic system using copolymer-capped mesoporous silica particles with metal nanoparticles is proposed. The poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)(DMAEMA)-co-N-tert-butyl acrylamide) (TBA)) shell on mesoporous silica SBA-15 was obtained through free radical polymerization. Then, copper [...] Read more.
In the present work, a temperature and pH-responsive hybrid catalytic system using copolymer-capped mesoporous silica particles with metal nanoparticles is proposed. The poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)(DMAEMA)-co-N-tert-butyl acrylamide) (TBA)) shell on mesoporous silica SBA-15 was obtained through free radical polymerization. Then, copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) decorated SBA-15/copolymer hybrid materials were synthesized using the NaBH4 reduction method. SBA-15 was functionalized with trimethoxylsilylpropyl methacrylate (TMSPM) and named TSBA. It was found that the CuNPs were uniformly dispersed in the mesoporous channels of SBA-15, and the hybrid catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic performance for the selective oxidation of different substituted benzyl alcohols in water using H2O2 as an oxidant at room temperature. The dual (temperature and pH-) responsive behaviors of the CuNPs/p(DMAEMA-co-TBA)/TSBA catalyst were investigated using the dynamic light scattering technique. The conversion of catalytic products and selectivity were calculated using gas chromatographic techniques, whereas the molecular structure of the products was identified using 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The catalyst showed excellent catalytic activity toward the oxidation of alcohol to aldehyde in an aqueous medium below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and pKa values (7–7.5) of the copolymer. The main advantages of the hybrid catalyst, as compared to the existing catalysts, are outstanding alcohol conversion (up to 99%) for a short reaction time (1 h), small amount of the catalyst (5 mg), and good recyclability equal to at least five times. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Mesoporous Silica Nanostructures)
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15 pages, 3269 KiB  
Article
Visible Light Photocleavable Ruthenium-Based Molecular Gates to Reversibly Control Release from Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
by Yolanda Salinas, Oliver Brüggemann, Uwe Monkowius and Ian Teasdale
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(6), 1030; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10061030 - 28 May 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2994
Abstract
Herein we present hybrid mesoporous silica nanomaterials (MSN) with visible light-sensitive ruthenium complexes acting as gates. Two different [Ru(bpy)2L1L2]2+ complexes were investigated by grafting [Ru(bpy)2(4AMP)2](PF6)2 (RC1) and [Ru(bpy)2(PPh3)Cl]Cl (RC2) [...] Read more.
Herein we present hybrid mesoporous silica nanomaterials (MSN) with visible light-sensitive ruthenium complexes acting as gates. Two different [Ru(bpy)2L1L2]2+ complexes were investigated by grafting [Ru(bpy)2(4AMP)2](PF6)2 (RC1) and [Ru(bpy)2(PPh3)Cl]Cl (RC2) via two or one ligands onto the surface of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), to give MSN1-RC1 and MSN2-RC2, respectively. The pores were previously loaded with a common dye, safranin O, and release studies were conducted. The number and position of the ligands were shown to influence the photocages behavior and thus the release of the cargo. Release studies from MSN1-RC1 in acetonitrile showed that in the dark the amount of dye released was minimal after 300 min, whereas a significant increase was measured upon visible light irradiation (ca. 90%). While successful as a photochemically-controlled gated system, RC1 was restricted to organic solvents since it required cleavage of two ligands in order to be cleaved from the surface, and in water only one is cleaved. Release studies from the second nanomaterial MSN2-RC2, where the complex RC2 was bound to the MSN via only one ligand, showed stability under darkness and in aqueous solution up to 180 min and, rapid release of the dye when irradiated with visible light. Furthermore, this system was demonstrated to be reversible, since, upon heating to 80 °C, the system could effectively re-close the pores and re-open it again upon visible light irradiation. This work, thus, demonstrates the potential reversible gate mechanism of the ruthenium-gated nanomaterials upon visible light irradiation, and could be envisioned as a future design of photochemically-driven drug delivery nanosystems or on/off switches for nanorelease systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Mesoporous Silica Nanostructures)
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10 pages, 10974 KiB  
Article
Template-Free Fabrication of Refractive Index Tunable Polysiloxane Coating Using Homogeneous Embedding Strategy: Application in High-Power Laser System
by Xue-Ran Deng, Xiang-Yang Lei, Wei Yang, Hao-Hao Hui, Tian-Yu Wang, Jin-Ju Chen, Ji-Liang Zhu and Qing-Hua Zhang
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(2), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10020381 - 22 Feb 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2976
Abstract
A refractive index (RI) tunable polysiloxane coating was fabricated based on the cross-linked network structure embedded with mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), in which the MSNs were utilized to modulate the RI as well as to support the interior structure of the polysiloxane coating. [...] Read more.
A refractive index (RI) tunable polysiloxane coating was fabricated based on the cross-linked network structure embedded with mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), in which the MSNs were utilized to modulate the RI as well as to support the interior structure of the polysiloxane coating. The Si–O–Si inorganic backbone structure in combination with characteristics from the photopolymerization of active bonds produced the main cross-linked network structure, and controllable embedding of MSNs constructed the network-sphere structure. This approach eliminated the high-temperature post-treatment that was needed to remove the template, which ensures the safe application for temperature-sensitive laser crystal substrates and avoids coating structure collapse. In addition, degradation of the resulting coating can be minimized due to the similar chemical formation between MSN and polysiloxane coating. Hereby, a polysiloxane coating with expected spectral and laser damage-resistant properties can be obtained. This will facilitate the fabrication and application of a laser component with both high-transmission and high-flux capability for a high-power laser system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Mesoporous Silica Nanostructures)
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Review

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38 pages, 4948 KiB  
Review
Recent Trends in Morphology-Controlled Synthesis and Application of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
by Nabanita Pal, Jun-Hyeok Lee and Eun-Bum Cho
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(11), 2122; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10112122 - 25 Oct 2020
Cited by 76 | Viewed by 11011
Abstract
The outstanding journey towards the investigation of mesoporous materials commences with the discovery of high surface area porous silica materials, named MCM-41 (Mobil Composition of Matter-41) according to the inventors’ name Mobile scientists in the United States. Based on a self-assembled supramolecular templating [...] Read more.
The outstanding journey towards the investigation of mesoporous materials commences with the discovery of high surface area porous silica materials, named MCM-41 (Mobil Composition of Matter-41) according to the inventors’ name Mobile scientists in the United States. Based on a self-assembled supramolecular templating mechanism, the synthesis of mesoporous silica has extended to wide varieties of silica categories along with versatile applications of all these types in many fields. These silica families have some extraordinary structural features, like highly tunable nanoscale sized pore diameter, good Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface areas, good flexibility to accommodate different organic and inorganic functional groups, metals etc., onto their surface. As a consequence, thousands of scientists and researchers throughout the world have reported numerous silica materials in the form of published articles, communication, reviews, etc. Beside this, attention is also given to the morphology-oriented synthesis of silica nanoparticles and their significant effects on the emerging fields of study like catalysis, energy applications, sensing, environmental, and biomedical research. This review highlights a consolidated overview of those morphology-based mesoporous silica particles, emphasizing their syntheses and potential role in many promising fields of research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Mesoporous Silica Nanostructures)
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22 pages, 3973 KiB  
Review
Hollow Silica Particles: Recent Progress and Future Perspectives
by Jaswinder Sharma and Georgios Polizos
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(8), 1599; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10081599 - 14 Aug 2020
Cited by 47 | Viewed by 7386
Abstract
Hollow silica particles (or mesoporous hollow silica particles) are sought after for applications across several fields, including drug delivery, battery anodes, catalysis, thermal insulation, and functional coatings. Significant progress has been made in hollow silica particle synthesis and several new methods are being [...] Read more.
Hollow silica particles (or mesoporous hollow silica particles) are sought after for applications across several fields, including drug delivery, battery anodes, catalysis, thermal insulation, and functional coatings. Significant progress has been made in hollow silica particle synthesis and several new methods are being explored to use these particles in real-world applications. This review article presents a brief and critical discussion of synthesis strategies, characterization techniques, and current and possible future applications of these particles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Mesoporous Silica Nanostructures)
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