Mesoporous silica nanoparticles are derivatized with molecules designed to induce multiple functionality.  The most important functionality is the ability to trap molecules in the pores and release them in response to specific stimuli and/or on external command by using molecular machines.  Other functions include incorporation of smaller metal nanocrystals,  and targeting and fluorescent molecules. Two types of molecular machines that are based on molecules that undergo large amplitude motion when attached to mesoporous silica are described: impellers and valves. Derivatized azobenzene molecules attached to the interior pore walls function as impellers that can move other molecules through the pores. Nanovalves consisting of rotaxanes and pseudorotaxanes, placed at pore entrances, trap and release molecules from the pores in response to external or intra-cellular stimuli. Activation methods that have been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo will be discussed, and external activation by magnetic fields and by one- and two-photon excitation will be emphasized.

Multifunctional inorganic nanoparticles controlled by nanomachines for in vitro and in vivo drug delivery

248th National Meeting (2014)

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