Optimization of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles of Silymarin through Statistical Design Experiment and Surface Modification by APTES

ABSTRACT: The major goal of this study was to create surface-modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) of Silymarin, which has a short half-life and requires regular dosing due to first-pass metabolism. MSN was prepared by cost effective Sol-Gel method, functionalized by (3-Aminoprpyl) triethoxysilane (3-APTES). Evaluated and compared the Silymarin-loaded MSN and APTES functionalized MSN for drug loading, in-vitro dissolution, particle size, surface morphology, surface area, pore size and volume. The percent drug loading and encapsulation efficiency of APTES-functionalized MSN were found to be 92.50±0.72 % percent and 93.20±0.13 %, respectively, which showed a higher value in APTES-functionalized MSN as compared to Silymarin-loaded MSN. Drug release of APTES-functionalized MSN was 92.15 0.03%, which was more as compared to silymarin-loaded MSN. XRD showed that after functionalization silymarin changed from crystalline to amorphous form. SEM indicates that MSN was formed in a spherical shape with particle size of 196.7nm. The BET analysis proved that the nanoparticles had a larger surface area, which was reduced after drug loading and functionalization. Also, the pore size was increased and the pore volume was reduced after functionalization, indicating the incorporation of silymarin. The results suggested that the functionalization might successfully increase adsorption capacity, larger surface area, and increased encapsulation. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles also showed a greater impact on dissolution.