Figure 1
Structural characterization of the synthesized silica carriers: (a) MSNs-1h, (b) MSNs-6h, and (c) MSNs-6h ½ CTAB. TEM images showing core–shell morphology (scale bar = 50 nm); (d–f) pore size distribution curves derived from the Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) method; and (g–i) nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms.
Figure 2
Particle size distribution histograms of the synthesized core–shell MSNs: (a) MSNs-1h, (b) MSNs-6h, and (c) MSNs-6h ½ CTAB, calculated from TEM image analysis.
Table 1
Zeta potential values of the synthesized silica carriers and pure NMS
| Zeta potential | MSNs-1h | MSNs-6h | MSNs-6h ½ CTAB | NMS |
| [mV] | −12.6 | −16.2 | −7.3 | −22.3 |
Figure 3
FTIR spectra of (a) the pristine silica carriers, (b) pure NMS, and (c) the NMS-loaded silica composite.
Figure 4
XRD patterns of (a) empty silica carriers, (b) pure NMS, and (c) drug-loaded systems (NMS-MSNs).
Figure 5
TEM micrographs of MSNs loaded with NMS: (a) 1 h, (b) 6 h, and (c) 6 h ½ CTAB; (d) 1 h, (e) 6 h, and (f) 6 h ½ CTAB.
Figure 6
Morphological assessment of HepG2 cells after treatment with MSNs, NMS-loaded MSNs (NMS-MSNs), and free NMS.
Figure 7
Live/dead staining of HepG2 cells after exposure to MSNs, NMS-loaded MSNs, and free NMS.