Nanosystem composed with MSNs, gadolinium, liposome and cytotoxic peptides for tumor theranostics

A dual-functional delivery system, based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with the integration of Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging and therapeutic peptide delivery, is reported in this paper. A lipid bilayer is attached onto the surface of the nanoparticles, following the doping of Gadolinium (Gd), a paramagnetic lanthanide ion. The liposome-coated GdMSNs exhibit improved colloidal stability, better biocompatibility and more efficient cellular uptake. The Gd renders the nano carrier a potential T1 contrast agent, confirmed by the MR imaging. A pro-apoptotic peptide, KLA (HGGKLAKLAKKLAKLAK), is encapsulated into the GdMSNs-LP and enters into the cells successfully to induce mitochondrial swelling and apoptosis, while it is nontoxic outside the cells. The synthesis procedure is convenient and free of toxic organic reagents. The nanosystem we construct may contribute to a promising theranostic platform for therapeutic peptide delivery in cancer treatment.