Synthesis of nanorattles with layered double hydroxide core and mesoporous silica shell as delivery vehicles

Abstract

This paper describes the controlled synthesis and release properties of MgAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH) mesoporous silica nanorattles. Both LDH and LDH intercalated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) were coated with mesoporous silica shells to form nanorattles. As-obtained LDH mesoporous silica composites were found to possess the structural features of both LDH and mesoporous silica. The release properties of the nanorattles were evaluated using FITC as the model fluorophore. The LDH-based nanorattles showed controlled release profiles of FITC, which can be attributed to the unique rattle-type structure. The controlled synthesis of LDH mesoporous silica nanorattles thus provides a new opportunity for future development of delivery vehicles. © 2011 The Royal Society of Chemistry.