Saponin-loaded SBA-15: release properties and cytotoxicity to Panc-I cancer cells

In this study, first time a nanoformulation, saponin-loaded SBA-15 has been developed for an improved and continuous release. The SBA-15 nanopowder was synthesized by a hydrothermal process. Saponin was introduced into the mesoporous channels of SBA-15 and its concentration in SBA-15 was measured by UV–visible spectrophotometry. The pristine SBA-15 and saponin-loaded SBA-15 were characterized by small-angle XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, TGA, FTIR. N 2 adsorption–desorption isotherms were used to measure the specific surface area and pore channel structure parameters of pristine and loaded SBA-15. Saponin release was studied in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4), which revealed that the release rate could be effectively controlled. The controlled drug release is highly desired for cancer treatment. The cytotoxicity of pristine and loaded SBA-15 was analyzed on Panc-I cancer cells. Both the pristine SBA-15 and saponin-loaded SBA-15 nanoparticles showed specific toxicity on the cancer cells. The preliminary results showed that saponin-loaded SBA-15 could be an effective therapeutic agent for Panc-I cancer cells.