Encapsulation of tamoxifen citrate in functionalized mesoporous silica and investigation of its release

Several mesoporous silicas (MCM-41, SBA-15, MCF-17, and MCF) with a different texture, pore size, and surface area were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. These parent materials were then functionalized with 3-mercapto propyl trimethoxy silane (MPTMS), and this was followed by oxidation of thiol groups to the corresponding sulfonic group. Prepared materials were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermal and elemental analysis, and then used as carries to study loading and release of tamoxifen citrate as an anti-cancer drug by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The optimization measurements of time and amount of drug loading indicated a higher loading of tamoxifen citrate in SBA-15-SO3H and MCM-41-SO3H. The release of tamoxifen as a function of time and pH in the presence and absence of NaCl was investigated. Results showed a fast kinetic of drug release in MCF-SO3H in an acidic condition in the presence of NaCl.

Automated summary

In this study, several mesoporous silicas with different texture, pore size, and surface area were synthesized and used as carriers for loading and releasing tamoxifen citrate, an anti-cancer drug. The results indicated higher loading of tamoxifen citrate in SBA-15-SO3H and MCM-41-SO3H, with a faster drug release kinetics in MCF-SO3H under acidic conditions in the presence of NaCl.