Development of Submicrocapsules Based on Co-Assembled Like-Charged Silica Nanoparticles and Detonation Nanodiamonds and Polyelectrolyte Layers

Capsules with shells based on nanoparticles of different nature co-assembled at the interface of liquid phases of emulsion are promising carriers of lipophilic drugs. To obtain such capsules, theoretically using the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory and experimentally using dynamic light-scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods, the interaction of like-charged silica nanoparticles and detonation nanodiamonds in an aqueous solution was studied and their ratios selected for the formation of submicron-sized colloidosomes. The resulting colloidosomes were modified with additional layers of nanoparticles and polyelectrolytes, applying LbL technology. As a model anti-cancer drug, thymoquinone was loaded into the developed capsules, demonstrating a significant delay of the release as a result of colloidosome surface modification. Fluorescence flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy showed efficient internalization of the capsules by MCF7 cancer cells. The obtained results demonstrated a high potential for nanomedicine application in the field of the drug-delivery system development.

Automated summary

This study investigated the interaction between silica nanoparticles and nanodiamonds in an aqueous solution and developed submicron-sized colloidosomes using LbL technology. The modified capsules showed a significant delay in drug release and efficient internalization by cancer cells. The results demonstrate the high potential of nanomedicine in the development of drug delivery systems.