Surface Modification of Silica Core−Shell Nanocapsules: \nBiomedical Implications

Abstract

In this article we present the synthesis of oil core silica shell nanocapsules with different shell thicknesses. The\nsurface of the nanocapsules was modified with polyethyleoxide (PEO) and succinic anhydride. Two biomedical\ntests were then used to study the biocompatibility properties of these nanocapsules with different surface treatments,\nhemolysis and thromboelastography (TEG). PEO surface modification greatly reduced the damaging interactions\nof nanocapsules with red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets and attenuated particle size effects. It was found that\nthe blood toxicity of charged particles increased with the acid strength on the surface. Experiments toward the\nassessment of detoxification of these nanocapsules in model drug overdose concentrations are currently underway.