A STUDY ON MAGNOLOL LOADED IN AMINO-FUNCTIONALIZED MESOPOROUS SILICA

Magnolol (MG) is a small-molecule neolignan polyphenolic compound isolated from the genus Magnolia. The anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-diabetic, antitumorgenic, anti-neurodegenerative, anti-depressant and anti-microbial properties of MG are well documented in recent literature. This compound also regulates hormones, exhibits positive gastrointestinal and uterus modulatory effects, offers cardio-vascular and liver protection and is effective in pain control. These multiple fascinating biological activities of MG encourage research on the development of new delivery and administration approaches able to maximize its potential benefits. Silica-based nanoporous inorganic materials are known for having multiple biomedical applications such as the development of certain drug delivery systems. Among these materials, mesoporous silica SBA-15 comes to the fore due to its high specific surface area, large pore volume, uniform porosity that can be altered in the mesoporous domain, biocompatibility, in vivo biodegradability, and the possibility to have its surface modified by functionalization with various organic groups, thereby allowing drug loading and release control. The major advantage of this material is its meso- and microporosity controllable by functionalization with organic groups and its ability to accommodate active molecules of different sizes. This study describes the amino-functionalization of the SBA-15 mesoporous matrix by post-synthesis grafting using APTES (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane) and the characterization of amino-functionalized mesoporous silica SBA-15 loaded with MG in order to achieve modified drug delivery systems. The amino-functionalization of silica SBA-15 was carried out by grafting by refluxing in dry toluene. The powders obtained were characterized texturally by BET measurements and morphologically by scanning electron microscopy. MG loading degree in the nanoporous matrix was determined by UV-VIS spectrophotometry at A. = 290 nm. Results showed that by grafting the amino groups in the silica SBA-15 we obtained amino-functionalized silica SBA-15 with an ordered structure, with specific surfaces and pore sizes that differ from the original matrix, which was reflected in the amount of MG immobilized.