Hollow mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles: a generic intelligent framework-hybridization approach for biomedicine

Chemical construction of molecularly organic-inorganic hybrid hollow mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (HMONs) with silsesquioxane framework is expected to substantially improve their therapeutic performance and enhance the biological effects beneficial for biomedicine. In this work, we report on a simple, controllable, and versatile chemical homology principle to synthesize multiple-hybridized HMONs with varied functional organic groups homogeneously incorporated into the framework (up to quintuple hybridizations). As a paradigm, the hybridization of physiologically active thioether groups with triple distinctive disulfide bonds can endow HMONs with unique intrinsic reducing/acidic- and external high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)-responsive drug-releasing performances, improved biological effects (e.g., lowered hemolytic effect and improved histocompatibility), and enhanced ultrasonography behavior. The doxorubicin-loaded HMONs with concurrent thioether and phenylene hybridization exhibit drastically enhanced therapeutic efficiency against cancer growth and metastasis, as demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo.