Synergistic effect of folic acid and hypericin administration to improve the efficacy of photodynamic therapy via folate receptors.

Transport systems are developed to improve the solubility of the transported drug, increase its stability, enhance its pharmacological activity and target cancer while minimising side effects. In this work, nanoporous silica particles that can be functionalized and loaded with a large number of hydrophobic molecules are proposed. The designed system was modified with folic acid to target the folic acid receptors of cancer cells.

Structural, optical and magnetic properties of a new metal-organic Co-based complex.

A mononuclear cobalt(ii) complex [CHN][CoCl(CHN)] (I) was synthesized and structurally characterized. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that monometallic Co(ii) ions acted as coordination nodes in a distorted octahedral geometry, giving rise to a supramolecular architecture. The latter is made up of a ½ unit form composed of an anionic element [CoCl(CHN)] and one 2-amino-4-methylpyrimidinium cation [CHN].

The surface modification of the silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles and their application in molecular diagnostics of virus infection.

The study presents a series of examples of magnetic nanoparticle systems designed for the diagnosis of viral diseases. In this interdisciplinary work, we describe one of the most comprehensive synthetic approaches for the preparation and functionalization of smart nanoparticle systems for rapid and effective RT-PCR diagnostics and isolation of viral RNA. Twelve different organic ligands and inorganic porous silica were used for surface functionalization of the FeO magnetic core to increase the number of active centres for efficient RNA binding from human swab samples.

A New Member of the Metal-Porphyrin Frameworks Family: Structure, Physicochemical Properties, Hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide Adsorption.

A novel holmium-based porous metal-porphyrin framework, {(H O )[Ho(H TPPS)]  ⋅ 4H O} (denoted as UPJS-17), was synthesised by hydrothermal reaction. Structural analysis reveals, that UPJS-17 has a three-dimensional open framework. The framework is negatively charged and the negative charge is compensated by hydronium cation.

Nanocomposite based on GdO nanoparticles and drug 5-fluorouracil as potential theranostic nano-cargo system.

We have prepared silica matrix with hexagonal symmetry of pores (SBA-15) and loaded it with anticancer drug 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) to promote it as a drug delivery system. GdO nanoparticles were incorporated into the matrix to enhance nanosystems applicability as contrast agent for MRI, thus enabled this nanocomposite to be used as multifunctional nano-based therapeutic agent. Drug release profile was obtained by UV-VIS spectroscopy, and it indicates the prolongated release of 5-FU during the first hours and the total release after 5 h.

Effective transport of aggregated hypericin encapsulated in SBA-15 nanoporous silica particles for photodynamic therapy of cancer cells.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents an interesting modality for the elimination of damaged biomaterials and cells. This treatment takes advantage of the photosensitizing properties of molecules that are active only when irradiated with light. In the present work, a dual property of hypericin, a hydrophobic molecule with high performance in photodiagnostics and photodynamic therapy, was exploited.

Redistribution of hydrophobic hypericin from nanoporous particles of SBA-15 silica in vitro, in cells and in vivo.

Nanoporous silica is nowadays used in various fields of nano- and micro-materials research. The advantage of nanoporous material is that it can be filled with various hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules, which are then delivered to the target cells and tissues. In the present study, we have studied the interaction of nanoporous silica with hydrophobic and photodynamically active molecule - hypericin.

Sr(II) and Ba(II) Alkaline Earth Metal-Organic Frameworks (AE-MOFs) for Selective Gas Adsorption, Energy Storage, and Environmental Application.

Two new alkaline earth metal-organic frameworks (AE-MOFs) containing Sr(II) () or Ba(II) () cations and extended tetrahedral linker (MTA) were synthesized and characterized in detail (UPJS stands for University of Pavol Jozef Safarik). Single-crystal X-ray analysis (SC-XRD) revealed that the materials are isostructural and, in their frameworks, one-dimensional channels are present with the size of ~11 × 10 Å. The activation process of the compounds was studied by the combination of in situ heating infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermal analysis (TA) and in situ high-energy powder X-ray diffraction (HE-PXRD), which confirmed the stability of compounds after desolvation.

Adsorption and Release Properties of Drug Delivery System Naproxen-SBA-15: Effect of Surface Polarity, Sodium/Acid Drug Form and .

Mesoporous silica SBA-15 was prepared via sol-gel synthesis and functionalized with different types of organosilanes containing various organic functional groups: (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (SBA-15-NH), (3-mercaptopropyl)triethoxysilane (SBA-15-SH), triethoxymethylsilane (SBA-15-CH), triethoxyphenylsilane (SBA-15-Ph), and (3-isocynatopropyl)triethoxysilane (SBA-15-NCO). The prepared materials were investigated as drug delivery systems for naproxen. As model drugs, naproxen acid (HNAP) and its sodium salt (NaNAP) were used.

Post-synthetically modified metal-porphyrin framework GaTCPP for carbon dioxide adsorption and energy storage in Li-S batteries.

Lithium-sulphur batteries attract increasing interest due to their high theoretical specific capacity, advantageous economy, and "eco-friendliness". In this study, a metal-organic framework (MOF) GaTCPP containing a porphyrinic base ligand was used as a conductive additive for sulphur. GaTCPP was synthesized, characterized, and post-synthetically modified by the transition metal ions (Co/Ni).

Zinc(ii) and cadmium(ii) amorphous metal-organic frameworks (aMOFs): study of activation process and high-pressure adsorption of greenhouse gases.

Two novel amorphous metal-organic frameworks (aMOFs) with chemical composition {[Zn(MTA)]·4HO·3DMF} (UPJS-13) and {[Cd(MTA)]·5HO·4DMF} (UPJS-14) built from Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) ions and extended tetrahedral tetraazo-tetracarboxylic acid (HMTA) as a linker were prepared and characterised. Nitrogen adsorption measurements were performed on as-synthesized (AS), ethanol exchanged (EX) and freeze-dried (FD) materials at different activation temperatures of 60, 80, 100, 120, 150 and 200 °C to obtain the best textural properties. The largest surface areas of 830 m g for UPJS-13 (FD) and 1057 m g for UPJS-14 (FD) were calculated from the nitrogen adsorption isotherms for freeze-dried materials activated at mild activation temperature (80 °C).

In vivo study of light-driven naproxen release from gated mesoporous silica drug delivery system.

A drug delivery system based on mesoporous particles MCM-41 was post-synthetically modified by photo-sensitive ligand, methyl-(2E)-3-(4-(triethoxysilyl)-propoxyphenyl)-2-propenoate (CA) and the pores of MCM-41 particles were loaded with Naproxen sodium salt (NAP). The CA was used as a photoactive molecule that can undergo a reversible photo-dimerization by [2π + 2π] cycloaddition when irradiated with UV light of specific wavelengths. Thus, it has a function of gate-keeper that is responsible for opening/closing the pores and minimizing premature release of NAP.

Novel Lanthanide(III) Porphyrin-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks: Structure, Gas Adsorption, and Magnetic Properties.

The present work focuses on the hydrothermal synthesis and properties of porous coordination polymers of metal-porphyrin framework (MPF) type, namely, {[Pr(HTPPS)]·11HO} (), {[Eu/Sm(HTPPS)]·HO·16HO} (), and {[Ce(HTPPS)]·11HO} () (HTPPS = 4,4',4″,4‴-(porphyrin-5,10,15,20-tetrayl)tetrakisbenzenesulfonate(4-)). The compounds were characterized using several analytical techniques: infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric measurements, elemental analysis, gas adsorption measurements, and single-crystal structure analysis (SXRD). The results of SXRD revealed a three-dimensional open porous framework containing crossing cavities propagating along all crystallographic axes.

Factors Affecting Hydrogen Adsorption in Metal-Organic Frameworks: A Short Review.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have significant potential for hydrogen storage. The main benefit of MOFs is their reversible and high-rate hydrogen adsorption process, whereas their biggest disadvantage is related to their operation at very low temperatures. In this study, we describe selected examples of MOF structures studied for hydrogen adsorption and different factors affecting hydrogen adsorption in MOFs.

Thermosensitive Drug Delivery System SBA-15-PEI for Controlled Release of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Diclofenac Sodium Salt: A Comparative Study.

Mesoporous SBA-15 silica material was prepared by the sol-gel method and functionalized with thermosensitive polyethylenimine polymers with different molecular weight (g·mol): 800 (SBA-15(C)-800), 1300 (SBA-15(C)-1300) and 2000 (SBA-15(C)-2000). The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac sodium was selected as a model drug and encapsulated into the pores of prepared supports. Materials were characterized by the combination of infrared spectroscopy (IR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photon cross-correlation spectroscopy (PCCS), nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis, thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and small-angle X-ray diffraction (SA-XRD) experiments.

Magnetic Characterization and Moderate Cytotoxicity of Magnetic Mesoporous Silica Nanocomposite for Drug Delivery of Naproxen.

In this study, we describe the magnetic and structural properties and cytotoxicity of drug delivery composite (DDC) consisting of hexagonally ordered mesoporous silica, iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (FeO), and the drug naproxen (Napro). The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) naproxen was adsorbed into the pores of MCM-41 silica after the ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIONs) encapsulation. Our results confirm the suppression of the Brownian relaxation process caused by a "gripping effect" since the rotation of the whole particle encapsulated in the porous system of mesoporous silica was disabled.

Mesoporous Silica as a Drug Delivery System for Naproxen: Influence of Surface Functionalization.

In this work we describe the relationship between surface modification of hexagonally ordered mesoporous silica SBA-15 and loading/release characteristics of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) naproxen. Mesoporous silica (MPS) was modified with 3-aminopropyl, phenyl and cyclohexyl groups by grafting method. Naproxen was adsorbed into pores of the prepared MPS from ethanol solution using a solvent evaporation method.

A series of four novel alkaline earth metal-organic frameworks constructed of Ca(ii), Sr(ii), Ba(ii) ions and tetrahedral MTB linker: structural diversity, stability study and low/high-pressure gas adsorption properties.

A series of four novel microporous alkaline earth metal-organic frameworks (AE-MOFs) containing methanetetrabenzoate linker (MTB) with composition {[Ca(μ-MTB)]·2DMF·4HO} (UPJS-6), {[Ca(μ-O)(μ-MTB)(HO)]·4DMF·4HO} (UPJS-7), {[Sr(μ-MTB)]·4DMF·7HO} (UPJS-8) and {[Ba(μ-MTB)(HO)]·2DMF·4HO} (UPJS-9) (UPJS = University of Pavol Jozef Safarik) have been successfully prepared and characterized. The framework stability and thermal robustness of prepared materials were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and high-energy powder X-ray diffraction (HE-PXRD). MOFs were tested as adsorbents for different gases at various pressures and temperatures.

Doxorobicin as cargo in a redox-responsive drug delivery system capped with water dispersible ZnS nanoparticles.

In this work, we have prepared and investigated a redox-responsive drug delivery system (DDS) based on a porous carrier. Doxorubicin (DOX), a chemotherapy medication for treatment of different kinds of cancer, was used as a model drug in the study. DOX was loaded in ordered hexagonal mesoporous silica SBA-15, a nanoporous material with good biocompatibility, stability, large pore size and specific surface area ( = 908 m g, = 0.

Cytotoxicity study and influence of SBA-15 surface polarity and pH on adsorption and release properties of anticancer agent pemetrexed.

Mesoporous material SBA-15 was functionalized with different polar and nonpolar groups: 3-aminopropyl, (SBA-15-NH), 3-isocyanatopropyl (SBA-15-NCO), 3-mercaptopropyl (SBA-15-SH), methyl (SBA-15-CH) and phenyl (SBA-15-Ph). The resulting surface grafted materials were investigated as matrices for controlled drug delivery. Anticancer agent, pemetrexed (disodium pemetrexed heptahydrate) was selected as a model drug and loaded in the unmodified and functionalized SBA-15 materials.

Size and distribution of the iron oxide nanoparticles in SBA-15 nanoporous silica via SANS study.

Structural characteristics of nanocomposite series consisting of iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in the regular pores of amorphous silica matrix (SBA-15) were investigated by means of small angle neutron scattering (SANS). By virtue of unique neutron properties, insight into the inner structure and matter organization of this kind of systems was facilitated for the first time. Based on rigorous experimental support, fundamental model describing the neutron scattering intensity distribution was proposed by assuming general composite structural features.

Large and tunable magnetocaloric effect in gadolinium-organic framework: tuning by solvent exchange.

Magnetic properties of three variants of MOF-76(Gd), {[Gd(BTC)(HO)]·G} (BTC = benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate, G = guest molecules) were investigated by static susceptibility, isothermal magnetization and specific heat capacity measurements. In the study we used as synthesized MOF-76(Gd)-DMF (1) (G = DMF = dimethylformamide), containing DMF molecules in the cavity system, compound MOF-76(Gd) (2), activated complex without solvents in the cavities and water exchanged sample MOF-76(Gd)-HO (3). A pronounced change in the magnetic entropy was found near the critical temperature for all three compounds.

A Study of 5-Fluorouracil Desorption from Mesoporous Silica by RP-UHPLC.

In cancer treatment, the safe delivery of the drug to the target tissue is an important task. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), the well-known anticancer drug, was encapsulated into the pores of unmodified mesoporous silica SBA-15, as well as silica modified with 3-aminopropyl and cyclohexyl groups. The drug release studies were performed in two different media, in a simulated gastric fluid (pH = 2) and in a simulated body fluid (pH = 7) by RP-UHPLC.

FeO and GdO nanoparticles loaded in mesoporous silica: insights into influence of NPs concentration and silica dimensionality.

Fine FeO and GdO magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) with sizes 7 nm and 10 nm embedded into mesoporous silica have been prepared using a wet-impregnation method. A comparative study of the reactant concentration along with the hosting matrix symmetry on mesostructuring and the magnetic properties of the nanocomposites have been investigated. Reactants with four different concentrations of Fe and Gd ions and silica matrices with two different kinds of symmetry (hexagonal and cubic) have been utilized for the study.