Design and evaluation of systemic administration of nano silica MCM48:Eu³⁺ in mouse brain

In the present study, we tested the proof of concept that mobil mesoporous silica nanoparticle composition of matter (MCM) No. 48 doped with trivalent europium (nanoMCM48:Eu³⁺) administered systemically intravenously can act as a suitable vehicle to deliver neural cells to the brain of healthy adult Swiss mice without causing tissue damage. Moreover, we also tested the ability of this nanoparticle to release molecules in vitro, using as drug models caffeine or nicotine in phosphate buffer solution with pH 7.4 adequate to intra and extra-cellular medium of the brain. The caffeine and nicotine adsorbed nanoparticles (CAF@MCM48:Eu³⁺ and NIC@MCM48:Eu³⁺) were observed in the parenchyma of the cerebral cortex and diffusely dispersed in the cellular cytoplasm. Statistical analysis using multivariate partner recognition methods indicated that there was no sign of cell damage, as it was characterized by chromatin condensation, nuclear condensation, or fragmentation. The characterization of nanoMCM48:Eu³⁺ as particle size, luminescent properties and release of active components were analyzed. The CAF@MCM48:Eu³⁺ and NIC@MCM48:Eu³⁺ nanoparticles were observed in the cerebral cortex parenchyma and diffusely dispersed in the cell cytoplasm, and the release of active components was analyzed. Therefore, the studies showed that mesoporous silica nanoparticles administered systemically via intravenous tissue can act as a suitable vehicle for neural cells in the brain of healthy mice without causing damage.(author)