Synthesis of selenium nanoparticles with mesoporous silica drug-carrier shell for programmed responsive tumor targeted synergistic therapy

Abstract

A sophisticated delivery nanocarrier was designed to achieve programmed responsive tumor targeted synergistic therapy. By combining a mesoporous SiO₂ drug-carrier shell and selenium nanoparticle therapy core while decorating with hidden folate, the size of nanocarrier was enlarged to about 380 nm which can enhance accumulation in tumor tissues by passive targeting due to the EPR effect. Subsequently, the stimulation of mild acid cleaved the citraconic anhydride-modified dextran, leading to the exposure of folate as well as targeting cellular uptake. In vitro results indicated the synergistic anticancer performance of the nanocarrier in combination with doxorubicin. This selenium nanoparticle based nanoplatform has the potential to avoid unexpected targeting and perform synergistic anticancer drug activity.