Dual Stimuli-Responsive Multifunctional Silicon Nanocarriers for Specifically Targeting Mitochondria in Human Cancer Cells

Abstract

Specific targeting, selective stimuli-responsiveness, and controlled release of anticancer agents are requested for high therapeutic efficiency with a minimal adverse effect. Herein, we report the sophisticated synthesis and functionalization of fluorescent mesoporous silicon (FMPSi) nanoparticles decorated with graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets. GO-wrapped FMPSi (FMPSi@GO) was loaded with a cisplatin (Cis) anticancer agent, and Cis-loaded FMPSi@GO (FMPSi-Cis@GO) exhibited the dual stimuli (pH and NIR)-responsiveness of controlled drug release, i.e., the drug release rate was distinctly enhanced at acidic pH 5.5 than at neutral pH 7.0 and further enhanced under NIR irradiation at acidic pH condition. Notably, dequalinium-conjugated FMPSi-Cis@GO (FMPSi-Cis@GO@DQA) demonstrated an excellent specificity for mitochondrial targeting in cancer cells without noticeable toxicity to normal human cells. Our novel silicon nanocarriers demonstrated not only stimuli (pH and NIR)-responsive controlled drug release, but also selective accumulation in the mitochondria of cancer cells and destroying them.

Revitalizing Ancient Mitochondria with Nano‐Strategies: Mitochondria‐Remedying Nanodrugs Concentrate on Disease Control

“…Even if reaching the vicinity of the mitochondria, the extensively folded and compartmentalized inner mitochondrial membrane poses a hurdle for drug molecules attempting to gain entry. [ 126 ] Additionally, the mitochondrial membrane exhibits limited permeability, permitting only molecules smaller than 1500 Da and 5000 Da through the IMM and OMM respectively. [ 127 ] Small molecular drugs for mitochondrial dysfunction have widely been explored and applied to clinical therapy, and some approved drugs have been proposed as potentially therapeutic for mitochondria‐related diseases ( Table 2 ).…”

Nanomaterial for Adjuvants Vaccine: Practical Applications and Prospects

“…In addition to adjuvants' ongoing use, NPs have emerged as promising adjuvant candidates because of their distinct qualities. Numerous common NPs [18], including lipids, gold [19], polymers [7], and silica [20][21], have been examined concerning their potential use as adjuvants in antiviral vaccines (Fig. 2).…”

“…Since the last decade of the 20th century, nanotechnology has been a field that is fast developing [5,[7][8]. To influence the performance of nanomaterials in biomedical applications, substantial advancements have been made in their nanoscale design and manipulation [9][10][11].…”

Application Prospects of MXenes Materials Modifications for Sensors

“…Some classical and modern nanomaterials are applied in sensors and related fields, such as Silica NPs [ 4 , 5 ], Silicon NPs [ 6 ], MOF nanomaterials [ 7 , 8 , 9 ], and oxide metal NPs [ 10 , 11 ], although they still have certain limitations. Due to their interesting features and predictable fabrication processes, MXenes, a new two-dimensional (2D) material, were demonstrated to be promising in wearable sensory applications in 2011.…”