Research Topics 2012
Flake-Shell Capsules: Adjustable Inorganic Structures
May 8, 2012
- This research was conducted by
Qingmin Ji1, Chunyan Guo1, Xiaoyan Yu1, Christopher J. Ochs2, Jonathan P. Hill1, 3, Frank Caruso2, Hiromoto Nakazawa4, and Katsuhiko Ariga1, 3
1International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (WPI-MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
2University of Melbourne
3CREST, JST
4NIMS
Supermolecules group in MANA has successfully developed synthesis of novel types of microcapsules (flake-shell capsules) that are made through assemblies of inorganic silica nanoflakes (nanosheets). These capsules can change their size and morphologies by application of external stimuli such as thermal frustration and pH changes. Upon optimization of the capsule structures, release of drugs including anticancer reagent can be prolonged for better effects.
Fig. 1 Formation process of flake-shell capsules
Fig. 2 Storage and release behaviors of anticancer drug (DOX): comparison between conventional mesoporous capsules and flake-shell capsules