Surface Functionalization of Mesoporous materials

One of the most studied drugs is ibuprofen. Because of the presence of a carboxyl group, ibuprofen can be easily loaded on amino-functionalized MCM-41 [37b] and 

SBA-15 [51b]. Moreover, as a result of the ionic interaction between the amino and carboxyl groups, controlled release of ibuprofen from these materials can be achieved. Carboxylic acid-functionalized mesoporous materials are also used for the adsorption of amino-based drugs. Tang et al. showed that the degree of functionalization of the mesoporous material MSU with carboxyl groups is the main factor that influences the adsorption capacity of the amino drug famotidine on the modified material [56]. 

Another strategy used for the controlled release of the drugs from solid mesoporous carriers is the functionalization of the mesoporous materials with hydrophobic groups. In this way, the drug transport can be easily controlled as the hydrophobic groups do not allow the water molecules to easily penetrate the matrix. Doadrio et al. showed that the release of erythromycin from octadecyl-functionalized SBA-15 was slower when compared to the nonfimctionalized SBA-15 [44]. 

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