Preparation and characterization of a pH-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticle dual-modified with biopolymers

This study was aimed at preparing a highly dispersed and pH-sensitive mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) carrier via surface modification with polydopamine (PDA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) i.e. [email protected] Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements suggested that hexagonally structured MSNs (type MCM-41) with the layer of PDA and PEG of thickness ∼20 nm were successfully prepared. Bovine serum protein (BSA) adsorption experiments showed that less protein was absorbed by [email protected] after the anchoring of PEG, which confirmed the stealth properties of prepared carriers. Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) was used as the model drug to be encapsulated into [email protected] (DOX/ [email protected] ). The DOX/ [email protected] had relatively high entrapment efficiency and drug loading up to 94.2% and 31.4%, respectively. The in vitro release profile of DOX/ [email protected] exhibited pH-responsive and gradual drug release. Cytotoxicity assay showed that DOX/ [email protected] had comparable cytotoxicity to A549 cells compared to pure DOX. The intracellular distribution of DOX/ [email protected] was imaged using confocal laser scanning microscope. It points that PDA and PEG can play “gatekeeper” and stealth roles for MSNs as promising nanocarrier for cancer treatment.