Synthesis of magnetic, fluorescent and mesoporous core-shell-structured nanoparticles for imaging, targeting and photodynamic therapy

A synthetic method to prepare novel multifunctional core-shell-structured mesoporous silica nanoparticles for simultaneous magnetic resonance (MR) and fluorescence imaging, cell targeting and photosensitization treatment has been developed. Superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles and fluorescent dyes are co-encapsulated inside nonporous silica nanoparticles as the core to provide dual-imaging capabilities (MR and optical). The photosensitizer molecules, tetra-substituted carboxyl aluminum phthalocyanine (AlC4Pc), are covalently linked to the mesoporous silica shell and exhibit excellent photo-oxidation efficiency. The surface modification of the core-shell silica nanoparticles with folic acid enhances the delivery of photosensitizers to the targeting cancer cells that overexpress the folate receptor, and thereby decreases their toxicity to the surrounding normal tissues. These unique advantages make the prepared multifunctional core-shell silica nanoparticles promising for cancer diagnosis and therapy.