Modified release from lipid bilayer coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles using PEO–PPO–PEO triblock copolymers

Triblock copolymers comprised of poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(propylene oxide)–poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO–PPO–PEO, or trade name Pluronic) interact with lipid bilayers to increase their permeability. Here we demonstrate a novel application of Pluronic L61 and L64 as modification agents in tailoring the release rate of a molecular indicator species from 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) bilayer-coated superparamagnetic Fe3O4/mesoporous silica core–shell nanoparticles. We show there is a direct relationship between the Pluronics’ concentration and the indicator molecule release, suggesting Pluronics may be useful for the controlled release of drugs from lipid bilayer-coated carriers.