Functionalized Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica Nanoparticles for Loading and Delivery of Suramin

Suramin (SUR) is a known drug for treating parasitic infections though research studies and some clinical trials have shown its applicability for a plethora of other diseases. Herein we report on a novel SUR nanocarrier for the drug delivery to cells. We synthesized periodic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles with spherical morphology, having mean diameter of 240 nm and high surface area (778 m(2)/g). The material's surface is modified with an amine-containing organic moiety N-[3-(Trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine (DA), followed by surface attachment with the drug. The rate of SUR release in physiological condition was low, though in vitro experiments on MRC-5 cell line demonstrate effective delivery of the drug to the cells and low toxicity of the materials without the adsorbed drug. These results are promising for opening new treatment strategies with SUR-bearing nanocarriers, with high efficiency and low adverse effects on healthy tissues.