Synthesis and characterization of multifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles with dual targeting and dual-mode imaging for cancer therapy

Abstract

This study investigated the innovative potential of multifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as a novel drug carrier for cancer therapy. Dual-targeting was achieved by conjugating folic acid (FA) and glucose, enabling selective binding to folate receptors and glucose transporters on cancer cells. Europium (Eu³⁺) and gadolinium (Gd³⁺), were doped onto the MSN to provide fluorescence and MRI dual-mode imaging, while camptothecin (CPT) was attached via disulfide bonds for glutathione (GSH)-responsive release. Characterization confirmed the mesoporous structure and successful functionalization. In vitro assays showed that MSN-EuGd-CPT-Glu-FA exhibited good biocompatibility, maintaining over 80 % viability in normal L929 cells at 200 μg/mL, while significantly enhancing cytotoxicity toward HeLa cells, where viability decreased to ∼40 % and the IC₅₀ value dropped from 118.66 μg/mL for free CPT to 8.31 μg/mL. In vivo studies further validated the dual-mode imaging capability in mice using IVIS and MRI. These results demonstrate that the designed MSN system integrates targeted delivery, stimuli-responsive drug release, and diagnostic imaging, offering a promising multifunctional nanoplatform with the potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy while reducing side effects in cancer treatment.

Keywords: Anticancer therapy; Drug delivery; Drug release; Dual-mode imaging; Mesoporous silica nanoparticles.