The efficacy of methylene blue encapsulated in silica nanoparticles compared to naked methylene blue for photodynamic applications

Abstract

Background/Aims: This study analyzed the physical effects of methylene blue (MB) encapsulated within silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) in photodynamic therapy. Materials and methods: The optimum concentration of MB needed to destroy red blood cells (RBCs) was determined, and the efficacy of encapsulated MB-SiNPs compared to that of naked MB was verified. Results: The results confirmed the applicability of MB encapsulated in SiNPs on RBCs, and established a relationship between the concentration of the SiNP-encapsulated MB and the time required to rupture 50% of the RBCs (t₅₀). Conclusion: The MB encapsulated in SiNPs exhibited higher efficacy compared to that of naked MB.

Keywords::

• encapsulation
• half-life time
• methylene blue
• photodynamic therapy
• silica nanoparticles

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declarations of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.