Magnetic Nanocarriers for pH/GSH/NIR Triple-Responsive Drug Release and Synergistic Therapy in Tumor Cells

In this study, the mesoporous Fe₃O₄ nanodrug carriers containing disulfide bonds (CHO-SMNPs) were successfully synthesized and characterized. Doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded onto the CHO-SMNPs as a model drug and gatekeeper through the formation of imine bonds with the aldehyde groups on the surface of the mesoporous materials. This drug carrier demonstrates effective drug release triggered by pH, glutathione (GSH), and near-infrared (NIR) light, along with satisfactory photothermal conversion efficiency under NIR irradiation at 808 nm. Furthermore, CHO-SMNPs exhibit excellent blood compatibility and biodegradability. They also show good biocompatibility and efficient cellular uptake in HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cells. Most importantly, the CHO-SMNPs/DOX has shown significant effectiveness in killing both HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cells. Consequently, CHO-SMNPs/DOX presents substantial potential as a magnetic-targeted, pH/GSH/NIR triple-triggered drug delivery system for synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy in tumor treatment.