A pH-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticle-based drug delivery system for targeted breast cancer therapy

J Mater Chem B. 2022 May 4;10(17):3375-3385. doi: 10.1039/d1tb02828f.

Abstract

In order to make the drug specifically aggregate at the tumor site, we had developed a targeted drug delivery system based on pH responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN-COOH) were prepared and doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded into the pores of MSN-COOH, and then polyethyleneimine (PEI) and anisamide (AA) were modified on the surface of mesoporous silica, named DOX@MSN-PEI-AA(DMPA). DMPA specifically entered tumor cells through AA-mediated receptor endocytosis; PEI dissociated from the surface of the MSN in the acidic environment of cellular lysosomes/endosomes due to protonation of PEI, resulting in steady release of the encapsulated DOX from the pores of MSN in the cytoplasm of the target cells. In vitro and in vivo anti-tumor experiments and hemolytic experiments indicated that DMPA can accurately target breast cancer cells and show excellent safety at the same time, showing great potential for tumor therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Doxorubicin
  • Drug Carriers / therapeutic use
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System
  • Nanoparticles* / therapeutic use
  • Porosity
  • Silicon Dioxide / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Drug Carriers
  • Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Doxorubicin