Mesoporous silica nanoparticles incorporated with Ir(III) complexes: From photophysics to photodynamic therapy

Development of iron oxide based-upconversion nanocomposites for cancer therapeutics treatment

Administration of therapeutic strategies alongside magnetic multifunctional nanocomposites has displayed improved cancer prognosis. However, the clinical use of this combination is limited owing to poor bioimaging performance, low biocompatibility, restricted tissue penetration in ultraviolet/visible regions, and low therapeutic efficacy of nanocomposites. To overcome these existing challenges, we designed iron oxide (Fe3O4)-based upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs). Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized via facile solvothermal method and incorporated into mesoporous silica (mS) layer (Fe3O4@mS). Fe3O4@mS nanoparticles were further decorated onto the surface of the UCNPs as a core material (UCNP-Fe3O4@mS, FMUP). Methotrexate (MTX) an efficient anticancer drug was loaded onto the mesoporous silica to produce FMUP-MTX nanocomposite. The FMUP nanocomposite displayed excellent photothermal therapy and showed 43% photothermal conversion efficiency. The designed nanocomposite has ability to decompose H2O2 to generates hydroxyl radical that promote chemodynamic therapy effect due to attribution of Fenton reaction. FMUP-MTX nanocomposite possessed improved chemotherapeutic performance under NIR laser irradiation. Further, T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging performance of nanocomposite was observed. In vitro studies shown that cell viability was decreased to 25% under laser irradiation due to the therapeutic effect. In vivo studies exhibited that the FMUP-MTX nanocomposite inhibited the tumor growth with the laser irradiation. Therefore, these nanocomposites can be considered as a promising candidate for cancer therapeutics treatment.

A promising mesoporous silica carrier material for the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases: recent research advances

The therapeutic diagnosis of liver diseases has garnered significant interest within the medical community. In recent years, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have emerged as crucial nanocarriers for the treatment of liver ailments. Their remarkable diagnostic capabilities enable them to be used in techniques such as high-throughput mass spectrometry (MS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging, photoacoustic imaging (PAI), and ultrasonography (US), attracting considerable attention. Furthermore, the introduction of amino and carboxyl group modifications in MSNs has facilitated their use as drug delivery carriers for treating liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma. This paper reviews the preparation methods, in vitro diagnostic capabilities, and in vivo therapeutic delivery systems of MSNs for liver disease treatment. It also summarizes relevant toxicity studies, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of MSNs in the treatment of liver diseases, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma. Through this review, we seek to offer theoretical insights into the potential of MSNs for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in liver disease treatment.

Theranostics Using MCM-41-Based Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: Integrating Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Novel Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Treatment

Advanced breast cancer remains a significant oncological challenge, requiring new approaches to improve clinical outcomes. This study investigated an innovative theranostic agent using the MCM-41-NH2-DTPA-Gd3⁺-MIH nanomaterial, which combined MRI imaging for detection and a novel chemotherapy agent (MIH 2.4Bl) for treatment. The nanomaterial was based on the mesoporous silica type, MCM-41, and was optimized for drug delivery via functionalization with amine groups and conjugation with DTPA and complexation with Gd3+. MRI sensitivity was enhanced by using gadolinium-based contrast agents, which are crucial in identifying early neoplastic lesions. MIH 2.4Bl, with its unique mesoionic structure, allows effective interactions with biomolecules that facilitate its intracellular antitumoral activity. Physicochemical characterization confirmed the nanomaterial synthesis and effective drug incorporation, with 15% of MIH 2.4Bl being adsorbed. Drug release assays indicated that approximately 50% was released within 8 h. MRI phantom studies demonstrated the superior imaging capability of the nanomaterial, with a relaxivity significantly higher than that of the commercial agent Magnevist. In vitro cellular cytotoxicity assays, the effectiveness of the nanomaterial in killing MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells was demonstrated at an EC50 concentration of 12.6 mg/mL compared to an EC50 concentration of 68.9 mg/mL in normal human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs). In vivo, MRI evaluation in a 4T1 syngeneic mouse model confirmed its efficacy as a contrast agent. This study highlighted the theranostic capabilities of MCM-41-NH2-DTPA-Gd3⁺-MIH and its potential to enhance breast cancer management.

Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for pH-Responsive Delivery of Iridium Metallotherapeutics and Treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme

Using nanoparticles for controlled drug delivery to cancer, in response to its weakly acidic environment, represents a promising approach toward increasing the effectiveness and reducing the adverse effects of cancer therapy. Hence, the aim of this study is to construct novel mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN)-based acidification-responsive drug delivery systems for targeted cancer therapy. Herein, the surface of MSN is covalently functionalized with Ir(III)-based complex through a pH-cleavable hydrazone-based linker and characterized by nitrogen sorption, SEM, FTIR, EDS, TGA, DSC, DLS, and zeta potential measurements. Enhanced release of Ir(III)-complexes is evidenced by UV/VIS spectroscopy at the weakly acidic environments (pH 5 and pH 6) in comparison to the release at physiological conditions. The in vitro toxicity of the prepared materials is tested on healthy MRC-5 cells while their potential for the efficient treatment of glioblastoma multiforme is demonstrated on the U251 cell line.