Hyaluronidase-Responsive Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles with Dual-Imaging and Dual-Target Function

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) offer advantages like modifiable surfaces and biocompatibility for drug delivery.
• Traditional drug carriers face challenges such as drug resistance and exocytosis, hindering effective cancer treatment.
• Targeting cancer cell nuclei is crucial for maximizing drug efficacy and overcoming cellular defense mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a dual-targeted, dual-imaging nanoparticle system for enhanced cancer drug delivery.
• To engineer MSN to specifically target cancer cell membranes and nuclei.
• To achieve controlled drug release within cancer cells for improved therapeutic outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized MSN doped with Eu³⁺ and Gd³⁺ for dual-imaging properties.
• Functionalized MSN with TAT peptide for nuclear targeting and hyaluronic acid for active targeting and gatekeeping.
• Loaded camptothecin (CPT) as the anticancer drug onto the functionalized MSN.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized MSN-EuGd with fluorescent and magnetic properties.
• Demonstrated dual targeting of cancer cell membranes and nuclei.
• Achieved hyaluronidase-controlled release of CPT, showing significant anticancer effects in vitro.
• The system successfully recognized and targeted both normal and cancer cells.

Conclusions:

• The developed MSN-EuGd system represents a promising strategy for targeted cancer therapy.
• Dual targeting and imaging capabilities enhance drug delivery precision and monitoring.
• The system effectively overcomes drug resistance mechanisms and delivers drugs to the nucleus.