Solasodine-Loaded MCM-41 Mesoporous Silica for Targeted Anticancer Delivery: Insights from Preparation, Characterization, and Adsorption Studies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.11966Keywords:
MCM-41, Solasodine, Adsorption, Sonochemical preparation, Mesoporous silicaAbstract
Mesoporous silica Mobil Composition of Matter No. 41 (MCM-41) has gained considerable attention as a carrier matrix because of its large surface area, adjustable pore size, and biocompatibility. This study aimed to prepare and thoroughly characterize MCM-41 using a sonochemical approach and to evaluate its potential for adsorbing solasodine, a steroidal alkaloid with anticancer properties. MCM-41 was prepared under different sonication times (30 - 150 min) and characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) techniques. XRD results confirmed the formation of a well-defined hexagonal mesostructure, with crystallinity increasing with increasing sonication time. Loading solasodine onto MCM-41 reduced diffraction intensity but preserved the structural framework. BET analysis revealed decreases in surface area (from 1129.39 to 849.31 m2/g), pore volume (from 0.87 to 0.59 cc/g), and pore diameter (from 3.41 to 2.17 nm), indicating successful solasodine incorporation. Adsorption of solasodine was optimum at pH 4, followed well a kinetic model of second order reaching equilibrium and an isotherm model of Langmuir with an adsorption capacity of 1.69×10−2 mmol/g, indicating strong carrier affinity and monolayer adsorption.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Structurally stable and well-ordered MCM-41 was prepared using a sonochemical method.
- The structural matrix of MCM-41 was not affected after loading solasodine.
- BET analysis confirmed reduced surface area and pore diameter after loading the drug.
- Adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics that attained equilibrium.
- The Langmuir isotherm exhibited high affinity and monolayer adsorption of solasodine.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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