Investigation on the Drug Loading Efficacy of Protoporphyrin Functionalized Silica Precursors (Tetraethyl orthosilicate: TEOS and Biomass silica) for Enhanced Delivery of 5-Fluorouracil

In this study, we have prepared silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) from biomass (rice husk) and organic precursor (TEOS) by sol-gel precipitation method and compared their efficacy for theranostics applications. In the preparation of SiNPs, we have studied the effects of different parameters such as solvent, catalyst, temperature, water and precursor on the shape and size of SiNPs. It shows that the size of SiNPs was increased with an increase in the concentration of ethanol and acid catalyst; the particle size was decreased with an increase in reaction temperature and precursor. To develop the drug for photodynamic therapy against the target tumor cells, protoporphyrin (PpIX), an efficient photosensitizer is functionalized on the surface of SiNPs. The drug loading potential was studied by the conjugation of 5-Fluorouracil on the surface of functionalized SiNPs. From the results, we suggest that the functionalized SiNPs will be used for combined therapeutic and diagnostic in biomedical applications.