Dual-responsive drug release from oligonucleotide-capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) are functionalized with 15-mer single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). After loading of doxorubicin, functionalized MSNPs are capped with 33-mer complementary ssDNA through the formation of double-stranded DNA. Encapsulated doxorubicin could be released by either thermal-triggered denaturization of the DNA capping chains or redox-induced disulfide bond cleavage. An in vitro study shows successful delivery of doxorubicin into HeLa cells.