Redox-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles for chemo- photodynamic combination cancer therapy

Abstract

Traditional chemotherapy remains the primary cancer treatment, but it shows low enrichment and non-specificity. Hence, we have designed a multifunctional nanocarrier based on glutathione (GSH)-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). Firstly, disulfide bonds were linked on the surface of mesoporous silica. Then, doxorubicin (DOX) and chlorin e6 (Ce6) were co-loaded into the pores. Finally, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) coated the nanoparticles to obtain the DOX/Ce6@MSN-SS-CMCS (DOX/Ce6@MSC) nanocarrier. The synthesized DOX/Ce6@MSC showed good monodispersity, dimensional stability, and consistent spectral characteristics. DOX/Ce6@MSC could effectively enter cancer cells and successfully deliver drugs. Under 660 nm laser irradiation, DOX/Ce6@MSC exhibited an effective photodynamic therapy effect that resists MCF-7 cells by triggering reactive oxygen species production. Thereby, it could efficiently inhibit cell proliferation and induce cell death. Anticancer analysis of tumor-bearing mice demonstrates that the DOX/Ce6@MSC combination treatment induced cell apoptosis effectively and showed an excellent antitumor effect in vivo. Therefore, DOX/Ce6@MSC nano-drug delivery system could be an effective strategy in cancer treatment.

Construction and biological effects of a redox‐enzyme dual‐responsive lufenuron nano‐controlled release formulation

“…After covalent coupling with cellulose-NH 2 , the carboxylate peak disappeared, indicating the formation of MSNs-ss-cellulose. 7,8,61 The success of the surface modification of MSNs was also monitored by zeta potential measurements. As shown in Fig.…”

“…The change in zeta potential indicated the success of cellulose grafting. 4,5,7 Furthermore, TGA was also used to confirm the degree of modification of MSNs-ss-OH. As shown in Fig.…”

“…3 and Table 1, the nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms of the samples exhibited typical type IV isotherms, indicating a mesoporous structure. 7,8,63 After lufenuron loading and cellulose grafting, the specific surface area was drastically reduced from the initial 947.38 to 54.58 and 43.87 m 2 g −1 , respectively. Meanwhile, the pore volume decreased from 0.84 cm 3 g −1 to 0.35 and 0.18 cm 3 g −1 , respectively.…”

“…3 Controlled-release technology is used to realize effective protection and slow release of active substances by physical, chemical or physicochemical means and has been widely used in the food, pharmacy, biology and agrochemical industries. [4][5][6][7][8][9] Traditional formulations for pesticide controlled release mainly depend on gels and microcapsules, 10 which can only release pesticides slowly through the diffusion process and are not able to release pesticides in space and time on demand. There is therefore an urgent need to design a novel environmentally responsive controlled-release formulation.…”

“…The low utilization efficiency of pesticides is prone to adverse effects such as soil contamination, water pollution and increased resistance of target organisms; the realization of the controlled release of pesticides can effectively solve these problems 3 . Controlled‐release technology is used to realize effective protection and slow release of active substances by physical, chemical or physicochemical means and has been widely used in the food, pharmacy, biology and agrochemical industries 4–9 . Traditional formulations for pesticide controlled release mainly depend on gels and microcapsules, 10 which can only release pesticides slowly through the diffusion process and are not able to release pesticides in space and time on demand.…”