A reduction-sensitive carrier system using mesoporous silica nanospheres with biodegradable polyester as caps

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN)-polymer hybrid combined with the aliphatic biodegradable polyester caps on the surface were first developed in order to manipulate the smart intracellular release of anticancer drugs. First, poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PEG-PCL) was successfully grafted on the surface of MSN via disulfide bonds which could cleave under a reduction environment in tumor cells. The anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was encapsulated into the particle pores. The in vitro drug release profile showed that DOX release was significantly restricted by the polymer caps at pH 7.4, while it was greatly accelerated upon the addition of GSH. Cytotoxicity evaluation showed good biocompatibility with the hybrid particles. Fast endocytosis and intracellular DOX release were observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The DOX-loaded particles exhibited comparable antitumor activity with free DOX towards HeLa cells and showed in a time-dependent manner. This work developed an extensive method of utilizing aliphatic biodegradable polyesters as polymer caps for MSN to control drug delivery. The paper might offer a potential option for cancer therapy.