Surface functionalization of SBA-15 particles for ibuprofen delivery

We have synthesized SBA-15 particles and functionalized their surface with different functional groups (amine, diamine, and sulfonic acid groups) to use them as carrier materials in drug delivery. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen sorption, and zeta potential measurements were used to characterize the synthesized particles. After surface functionalization, the surface of the sulfonic acid-functionalized particles was more acidic than that of the other particles. Using ibuprofen as a model drug, we found that the release rate increased at higher pH. Furthermore, the particles with the sulfonic acid groups exhibited higher release rate than those with the amine and diamine groups. We explained the difference in the release rate using different electrostatic interaction between drug and particle surface that was caused by the surface functionalization. These results should enable design of drug carrier materials based on the SBA-15 particles with the desired release rate.