In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Degradation, Toxicity, Biodistribution, and Clearance of Silica Nanoparticles as a Function of Size, Porosity, Density, and Composition

• Published in: Journal of controlled release 2019-10, Vol.311-312, p.1-15
• Main Authors: Moghaddam, Seyyed Pouya Hadipour, Mohammadpour, Raziye, Ghandehari, Hamidreza
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0168-3659; 1873-4995
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.08.028

Silica nanoparticles (SiO 2 NPs) have potential utility in controlled release. Despite significant research in this area, there is a gap in the understanding of the correlation between SiO 2 NP physicochemical properties on the one hand and their degradation in solutions, in cells, and in vivo on the other. Here, we fabricated SiO 2 NPs with variations in size, porosity, density, and composition: 100 nm Stöber, 100 and 500 nm mesoporous, 100 nm disulfide-based mesoporous, and 100 nm disulfide-based hollow mesoporous. Degradation profiles over 28 days were investigated in simulated biological fluids and deionized water. Results show Meso 100, and 500 nanoparticles degraded faster at higher pH values. Results from macrophages indicate Meso 100 nanoparticles showed the highest degradation amount (~3.8%). Cytotoxicity evaluation of the particles in Human Aortal Endothelial Cells (HAECs) shows concentration-dependent toxicity for the particles. Results from CD-1 mice show ~53% of Meso 100 nanoparticles (25 mg kg −1 ) degraded and were detected in urine after seven days. It was shown nanoparticle porosity and composition as well as pH and ionic strength of the medium play the predominant roles for degradation of SiO 2 NPs. Based on histological evaluations, at the injected doses investigated, the particles did not show toxicity.