PVCL-grafted mesoporous silica nanocontainers for thermo-responsive controlled release and their antifungal activity study

Herein, thermo-responsive nanocontainers depended on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) functionalized with two copolymers: poly(3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane) “PMPS, source of condensation with silica” and poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) “PVCL” were synthesized by a facile one-step approach, characterized then evaluated as antifungal materials. Taking advantage of the polymer gatekeeper strategy, the loading or release processes of anidulafungin (AFG) as a model antifungal drug were adjusted by the stimuli-responsiveness of PVCL. Upon temperature treatment at various conditions, the loaded AFG was released with a killing effect against four strains of fungi, as reported by filter-paper and hole-plate technique. This kind of stimuli-sensitive nanocontainers can be a potential platform for biomedical applications. [Display omitted] •A poly(VCL)-co-poly(MPS) shell on MSN core was constructed through a one-step approach and characterized successfully.•A promising DDS for programmed release at several conditions was provided.•The capped polymer controlled the release process and enhanced it in hyperthermia (which exists in pathogenic fungal sites).•Biological evaluation against 4 fungi with low to moderate results (high in some cases).•The released AFG was more active against Candida spp. than Aspergillus spp. at all conditions.