Publication Type Journal Article
Title Silica nanocarriers with user-defined precise diameters by controlled template self-assembly
Authors Tânia Ribeiro Ana Sofia Rodrigues Sebastian Calderon Alexandra Fidalgo José L. M. Gonçalves Vânia André M. Teresa Duarte Paulo J. Ferreira José Paulo Farinha Carlos Baleizão
Groups MPPM BioMol
Journal JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
Year 2020
Month March
Volume 561
Number
Pages 609-619
Abstract 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. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2019.11.036
ISBN
Publisher
Book Title
ISSN 0021-9797
EISSN 1095-7103
Conference Name
Bibtex ID ISI:000508752600058
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