Silica nanocarriers with user-defined precise diameters by controlled template self-assembly

[Display omitted] Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) feature ideal structural properties and surface chemistry for use as nanocarriers of molecules, polymers and biomolecules in cutting-edge applications. One important challenge remaining in their preparation is the ability to tune their diamete...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of colloid and interface science 2020-03, Vol.561, p.609-619
Main Authors: Ribeiro, Tânia, Rodrigues, Ana Sofia, Calderon, Sebastian, Fidalgo, Alexandra, Gonçalves, José L.M., André, Vânia, Teresa Duarte, M., Ferreira, Paulo J., Farinha, José Paulo S., Baleizão, Carlos
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
CTAB micelles
Fluorescent label
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles
Micelle stabilization
MSNs
Particle size tuning
Pore morphology change
Supramicellar assembly
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Summary:[Display omitted] Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) feature ideal structural properties and surface chemistry for use as nanocarriers of molecules, polymers and biomolecules in cutting-edge applications. One important challenge remaining in their preparation is the ability to tune their diameter in the range of a few tens of nanometers, with narrow size dispersity, preferably using a simple, sustainable and scalable synthetic process. This work presents a fully controllable low-temperature and purely aqueous sol-gel method to prepare MSNs with user-defined diameters from 15 nm to 80 nm and narrow size dispersity. The method also allows modification of the pore structure and offers the possibility of incorporating a luminescent species in the silica network for optical traceability. Control was achieved by tuning the colloidal stability of the assembly of cylindrical micelles that template the MSN synthesis. Using CTAB cylindrical micelles as template and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as catalyst, precise diameter control was achieved either by changing the pH (that controls micelle surface charge) or by adding salt at constant pH (to tune the ionic strength and charge screening). This new sustainable MSN synthesis method provides full control over the nanoparticle diameters and can be used as a platform for the application of MSNs with user-defined sizes in different fields.
ISSN:0021-9797
1095-7103
DOI:10.1016/j.jcis.2019.11.036