Preparation and Evaluation of a Mesoporous Silica-Based Nanosystem for Controlled Drug Release: A Comprehensive Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory Experience

Recognizing the significance of interdisciplinary approaches in modern scientific research and education, we have introduced a classic experimental module that merges foundational theoretical knowledge and practical experimental skills from the fields of chemistry, nanotechnology, materials science, and pharmacy for undergraduate chemistry students. This comprehensive experiment focuses on the synthesis of disulfide-bond-doped mesoporous silica nanoparticles, their modification with polyethylene glycol (PEG) for biocompatibility, and their application in drug delivery using doxorubicin (DOX) as a model drug. The experiment simulates the tumor microenvironment to demonstrate controlled drug release. Covering the synthesis, characterization, and application of nanomaterials, the experiment aims to enhance students’ interdisciplinary knowledge and experimental skills. It involves techniques like transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy for material analysis and drug release monitoring. This comprehensive approach is designed to broaden students’ academic horizons and improve their abilities in research, critical thinking, and problem-solving. We believe this experiment significantly contributes to students’ holistic education by integrating multidisciplinary concepts and enhancing their comprehensive experimental competencies.