Tri-Responsive Drug Delivery System for Lung Cancer Treatment: Enhanced Photothermal Conversion and Targeted Apoptosis in H1299 Cells

Purpose To develop a drug delivery system (DDS) that is responsive to pH, redox conditions, and near-infrared (NIR) irradiation for the treatment of lung cancer. Methods The DDS was constructed by encapsulating cabazitaxel (CTX) into mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), which were then coated with polydopamine (PDA). Graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were added to enhance the photothermal conversion efficiency. The system was further modified with hydrogels made from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and l-Cysteine (IC) co-encapsulating curcumin (Cur) through an amidation reaction. The final product, CTX/GO@PDA@MSNs/Cur/CLC, was tested for cytotoxicity against human lung H1299 cancer cells. Apoptosis in treated cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. Results The developed DDS demonstrated effective inhibition of H1299 lung cancer cell growth. Cytotoxicity assays and flow cytometry confirmed apoptosis progression in cells treated with the DDS. Conclusion The tri-responsive DDS shows promise as an effective delivery system for cabazitaxel and curcumin in the treatment of lung cancer, inhibiting cancer cell growth through mechanisms responsive to pH, redox, and NIR irradiation.