Amine-functionalized and non-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles as the delivery system for tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)

The aim of this study was to encapsulate 2-tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), as a common synthetic antioxidant in food industries, by mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) and their amine-functionalized nanoparticles (AP-MSNs). Release profiles of TBHQ from nanocarriers in the simulated body, gastric, and gastrointestinal fluids were investigated. In addition, the cytotoxicity effects of free-TBHQ, TBHQ-loaded MSNs (MSNs/TBHQ), and TBHQ-loaded AP-MSNs (AP-MSNs/TBHQ) were studied using MTT assay. Results showed that the AP-MSNs has a little effect on TBHQ loading percentage (2% increased), whereas it has a considerable effect on the TBHQ release pattern. Cell viability studies indicated that viability in treated cells by nanoparticles or free-TBHQ was in a time- and dose-dependent manner. For MSNs/TBHQ and AP-MSNs/TBHQ, a lower cytotoxicity was detected at different concentrations. Sustained release of TBHQ from nanocarriers with increase of its antioxidant activity was observed. The cellular uptake of MSNs/TBHQ and AP-MSNs/TBHQ by MCF-7 and HPHMF cells was confirmed by TEM images.