Core-Cone Structured Monodispersed Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles with Ultra-large Cavity for Protein Delivery

A new type of monodispersed mesoporous silica nanoparticles with a core-cone structure (MSN-CC) has been synthesized. The large cone-shaped pores are formed by silica lamellae closely packed encircling a spherical core, showing a structure similar to the flower dahlia. MSN-CC has a large pore size of 45 nm and a high pore volume of 2.59 cm³ g^-1. MSN-CC demonstrates a high loading capacity of large proteins and successfully delivers active β-galactosidase into cells, showing their potential as efficient nanocarriers for the cellular delivery of proteins with large molecular weights. Dahlia-like silica: A new type of monodispersed mesoporous silica nanoparticle with core-cone structures (MSN-CC) is synthesized. The cone-shaped large pores are formed by silica lamellae closely packed encircling a spherical core, showing a structure similar to a dahlia. MSN-CC demonstrates successful intracellular delivery of large protein of β-galactosidase (β-gal, 119 kDa) and retains its protein enzymatic activity.