Mesoporous particles are porous materials containing pores with diameters from 2 nm to 50 nm. Due to their high specific surface area, narrow pore size distribution, and the possibility of modification of the porous matrix by covalent bonding of various functional groups (functionalization) and/or dye adsorption, they are an interesting basis for applications in various fields, including sensor technology. In this master's thesis, I synthesized and investigated the modified mesoporous MCM-41 particles as a basis for developing colorimetric indicators for macromolecules with a gate system. Firstly, I synthesized mesoporous particles type MCM-41. In the next step, I modified them by adsorbing the cresol red dye, followed by functionalizing the surface using 3-aminopropyl groups. The synthesized particles were characterized using UV-Vis and FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, thermogravimetry with mass spectrometry, zeta potential and pH measurements. For the purpose of using the particles in a molecular gate system, I studied the release of dye (desorption) into media with controlled and uncontrolled pH. Additionally, preliminary tests of binding the fluorescently labelled protein A to modified MCM-41 particles were performed. It was found that MCM-41 particles with adsorbed cresol red dye in various mass ratios were orange to orange-brown in colour, with the dye mostly present in monodeprotonated form. Non-functionalized particles with adsorbed dye retained their mesoporous structure, but their specific surface area and pore volume were reduced, confirming dye adsorption into the pores. The estimated isoelectric point of the materials was around pH 3.8. Functionalized MCM-41 particles with adsorbed dye were purple in colour, with the dye present mostly in fully deprotonated form. In the functionalized particles the mesoporous structure was no longer confirmed, pore volume and specific surface area were also reduced. An isoelectric point was at approximately pH 9. Desorption tests showed that desorbed dye from all functionalized and non-functionalized particles in media with controlled pH exhibited a characteristic form typical for the pH of the medium, independently of its form in the modified MCM-41, which was confirmed by visual colour changes. Fluorescently labelled protein was bound to SiO2 particles, although pores were not completely closed with protein.
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