Influence of particle size on the adsorption and release of cephalexin encapsulated in mesoporous silica SBA-15

Abstract

Ordered mesoporous silicas with different particle sizes were synthesized and used as drug carrier in controlled delivery systems. Morphological properties of mesoporous supports were modified by changing the stirring rate. Changes in the shape of SBA-15 from fiber-like particles to smaller irregular agglomerates were obtained by reducing the stirring rate. The adsorption and release of cephalexin from those different supports were investigated. Adsorption capacity was found to increase with decreasing particle sizes, and the in vitro release experiments indicated a clear increase in the amount released from the smaller particles. In vivo studies revealed that silica matrixes effectively control the drug release and were capable of maintaining a sustained therapeutic blood level of cephalexin.