Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Engineered for Ultrasound-Induced Uptake by Cancer Cells

Abstract

A novel smart hierarchical ultrasound-responsive mesoporous silica nanocarrier for cancer therapy is here presented. This dynamic nanosystem has been designed to display different surface characteristics during its journey towards tumor cells. Initially, the anticancer-loaded nanocarriers are shielded with a polyethylene glycol layer. Upon exposure to high frequency ultrasound, the polymer shell detaches from the nanoparticles, exposing a positively-charged surface. That favors the internalization in human osteosarcoma cells, where release of topotecan takes place, drastically enhancing the cytotoxic effect.