Hybrid mesoporous silica composite nano drug carrier modified by CTS-poly(NIPAM-co-AA)

Abstract At present, the forefront of drug carrier research revolves around crafting nano-sized carriers, particularly using hybrid mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). This study reported the fabrication of 180 nm MSNs featuring an ethane bridge skeleton structure, starting with the synthesis of MSNs, modifications were made by first applying γ -methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (MPS) onto the MSNs. Following this, N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAM), acrylic acid (AA), and carboxymethyl chitosan (CTS) were grafted onto the MSNs, resulting in the successful creation of the composite MSNs-CTS-poly(NIPAM-co-AA) (abbreviated as MSNs-CTS-PNA) nano drug carrier. The experimental findings highlighted a notable drug encapsulation efficiency (75.5 ± 2.7 %) due to the core–shell architecture of MSNs-CTS-PNA. This tiered functionalization synergistically combines structural stability, pH and temperature stimuli-responsiveness, and biocompatibility. The ethane-bridged MSNs synthesis provides a rigid, porous framework for high drug loading, while CTS coating greatly boosts biocompatibility and prolongs circulation time. The optimized shell thickness balances high encapsulation efficiency and controlled drug release. These innovations make MSNs-CTS-PNA an advanced platform for targeted, combination, and environmentally adaptive drug delivery.