Degradable and colloidally stable zwitterionic-functionalized silica nanoparticles

Aim: This work is focused on obtaining degradable mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSNs) which are able to maintain their colloidal stability in complex biological media. Materials & methods: DMSNs were synthesized using different ratios of disulfide organosilane (degradable structural moiety) and further functionalized with sulfobetaine silane (SBS) to enhance colloidal stability and improve biological compatibility. Results: There was a clear trade-off between nanoparticle degradability and colloidal stability, since full optimization of the degradation process generated unstable particles, while enhancing colloidal stability resulted in poor DMSNs degradation. It was also shown that acidic pH improved particle degradation which is commonly triggered by reduction stimulus. Conclusion: A chemical composition window was found where DMSNs presented satisfactory colloidal stability in biologically relevant medium, meaningful degradation profiles and high biocompatibility.