Hollow siloxane-based nanoparticles (HSNs) have attracted significant attention because of their unique properties and applications. Recently, it was discovered that the simple covering of silica nanoparticles with an organosiloxane shell leads to the spontaneous formation of HSNs; however, the detailed mechanism of their formation has not yet been established. In this study, colloidal 30 nm HSNs were prepared by adding organically bridged alkoxysilane to an aqueous dispersion of mesostructured silica–surfactant composite nanoparticles, and the temporal changes of the morphology and chemical state of the nanoparticles were monitored to elucidate the formation mechanism. Core silica was dissolved after the formation of the core–shell structured nanoparticles, and almost all the dissolved silicate species were incorporated in the organosiloxane shell, changing the shell thickness. Two conditions were essential for silica dissolution induced by covering with organosiloxane: (i) presence of a sufficient amount of uncondensed Si–OH groups in the organosiloxane shell, and (ii) elevated temperature and pH for the promotion of the hydrolysis of silica. These findings will enable the fabrication of various HSNs through organosiloxane-induced silica dissolution and redeposition.

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Hollow siloxane-based nanoparticles (HSNs) have attracted significant attention because of their promising unique properties for various applications. For advanced applications, especially in catalysis, drug delivery systems, and smart coatings, high dispersibility and monodispersity of HSNs with precisely controlled shell structures are important. In this study, we established a simple method for preparing colloidal HSNs with a uniform particle size below 50 nm by the reaction of colloidal silica nanoparticles with bridged organoalkoxysilane [1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethylene: (EtO) 3 Si-C 2 H 2 -Si(OEt) 3 , BTEE] in the presence of a cationic surfactant. Upon the formation of organosiloxane shells by hydrolysis and polycondensation of BTEE, the core silica nanoparticles were spontaneously dissolved, and a part of the silicate species was incorporated into the organosiloxane shells. The size of the colloidal silica nanoparticles, the amount of BTEE added, and the pH of the reaction mixture greatly affected the formation of HSNs. Importantly, colloidal HSNs having micropores and mesopores in the shells were successfully prepared using silica nanoparticles (20, 30, and 40 nm in diameter) at pH values of 9 and 11, respectively. These HSNs are potentially important for applications in drug delivery systems and catalysis.

Dehydrin is a protein that is related to cold stress tolerance in plants. Because dehydrin shows potent cryoprotective activity, it has the potential to be used in food storage applications. In this paper, we presented an efficient purification method for native dehydrin from radishes (Raphanus sativus). Immunoblot analysis using an anti-Arabidopsis KS type dehydrin antibody revealed that the related dehydrin accumulates in the radish taproot. The radish dehydrin that accumulated in the vascular tissues of the taproot was purified through two simple chromatographic steps: immobilized metal affinity chromatography followed by anion exchange chromatography. The yield was higher than yields previously reported on a fresh weight basis.The cryoprotective activity for malate dehydrogenase shown by purified dehydrin was more potent than that shown by small-molecule cryoprotectants. This suggests that the radish is an appropriate source for the production of native dehydrin.