Zinc oxide end-capped Fe₃O₄@mSiO₂core-shell nanocarriers as targeted and responsive drug delivery system for chemo-/ions synergistic therapeutics

Abstract

Multifunctional core-shell nanocarriers based on zinc oxide (ZnO)-gated magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MMSN) were prepared for cancer treatment through magnetic targeting and pH-triggered controlled drug release. Under an external magnetic field, the MMSN could actively deliver chemotherapeutic agent, daunomycin (DNM), to the targeted sites. At neutral aqueous, the functionalized MMSN could stably accommodate the DNM molecules since the mesopores were capped by the ZnO gatekeepers. In contrast, at the acid intercellular environment, the gatekeepers would be removed to control the release of drugs due to the dissolution of ZnO. Meanwhile, ZnO quantum dots not only rapidly dissolve in an acidic condition of cancer cells but also enhance the anti-cancer effect of Zn 2+ . An in vitro controlled release proliferation indicated that the acid sensitive ZnO gatekeepers showed well response by the ‘on-off’ switch of the pores. Cellular experiments against cervical cancer cell (HeLa cells) further showed that functionalized MMSN significantly suppressed cancer cells growth through synergistic effects between the chemotherapy and Zn 2+ ions with monitoring the treatment process. These results suggested that the ZnO-gated MMSN platform is a promising approach to serve as a pH-sensitive system for chemotherapies delivery and Zn 2+ controlled release for further application in the treatment of various cancers by synergistic effects.

Electrospun Scaffold of Collagen and Polycaprolactone Containing ZnO Quantum Dots for Skin Wound Regeneration

“…FTIR spectra of ZnO and NH 2 -ZnO QDs are recorded on a Fourier transformation infrared spectrometer (Bruker, Germany) and the results are shown in Fig. 2 e. In the case of ZnO QDs, peaks at 458, 832, 1393, and 1509 cm −1 can be attributed to Zn–O stretching [ 47 ]. After functionalized by APTEs, the new band centered at 1650 cm −1 which corresponds to the bending vibration -NH- group indicates the presence of amino groups in NH 2 -ZnO QDs [ 30 , 48 ].…”

“…2e. In the case of ZnO QDs, peaks at 458, 832, 1393, and 1509 cm −1 can be attributed to Zn-O stretching [47]. After functionalized by APTEs, the new band centered at 1650 cm −1 which corresponds to the bending vibration -NH-group indicates the presence of amino groups in NH 2 -ZnO QDs [30,48].…”

Progress and prospects of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in biomedical applications: A review

“…Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have been receiving tremendous interest in a number of biomedical applications such as drug delivery and bioimaging 130,131 . ZnO nanomaterials are antibacterial, 69 biocompatible, low toxic, anti‐inflammatory, and display in vivo biodegradability.…”

“…129 Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have been receiving tremendous interest in a number of biomedical applications such as drug delivery and bioimaging. 130,131 ZnO nanomaterials are antibacterial, 69 biocompatible, low toxic, anti-inflammatory, and display in vivo biodegradability. The anticancer activities of these nano biomaterials are related to the induction of intracellular ROS generation, activation of apoptotic signaling, and autophagy.…”

Synthesis of Ternary Fe3O4/ZnO/Chitosan Magnetic Nanoparticles via an Ultrasound-Assisted Coprecipitation Process for Antibacterial Applications

“…Recently, iron oxide (Fe 3 O 4 ) nanoparticles (ION) have attracted the attention of scientists all over the world due to its various applications, particularly in biomaterial engineering, such as MRI contrast agent, hyperthermia treatment, and drug delivery [1][2][3][4][5]. ION have been synthesized from many routes, including coprecipitation [6,7], solvothermal method [8,9], sol-gel method [10], microwave [11], …. Particularly, ION coated with an organic, inorganic, or polymer layer have been proved not only to prevent the aggregation of particles but also to improve the drug loading capability, solubility, biocompatibility, and selectivity of ION [12,13].…”