Abstract

As a drug delivery carrier, ultra-large pore mesoporous silica nanoparticles (UCMS) are more flexible and sturdier than traditional drug delivery systems , which enable protect drugs and proteins from the destruction of gastrointestinal acid environment and enzymes. The purpose of this study was to develop ultra-large pore mesoporous silica nanoparticles loading Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP-UCMS) for improving the immune activity of LBP. UCMS were prepared successfully through a silica sol-gel reaction, followed by physical agitation to obtain LBP-UCMS. The morphology and structure of LBP-UCMS were characterized by various techniques, resulting that LBP was successfully loaded in UCMS. Macrophages play a key role in the innate immune system. In vitro study demonstrated the immune-enhancing activity of LBP-UCMS on RAW264.7, including enhancement phagocytosis of macrophages, up-regulation the expression of costimulatory molecules CD80, CD86 and MHCII, and stimulation the production of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6). In order to evaluate the safety of LBP-UCMS, oral administration of LBP-UCMS to mice for 14 consecutive days. The results of in vivo study showed that oral administration of LBP-UCMS (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) for 14 days was safe. Hence, UCMS is an effective and safety platform for delivery of LBP for improving the effect of its clinical application.