Mesoporous silica core-shell nanoparticles (MSN) with high colloidal stability attract growing attention as targeted drug delivery systems. These types of nanoparticles can feature a well-defined and tunable porosity at the nanometer scale, high loading capacity, and the option to introduce multiple molecular functionalities. We will discuss the challenges associated with key functionalities needed to control the nanoparticle-cell interactions, including cell targeting, stimuli-responsive enclosure/release systems, and endosomal escape. For example, we have employed folate and epidermal growth factor (EGF) for successful cell-targeting with 70 nm MSNs, as well as pH-, redox-, or temperature-responsive release systems. To induce endosomal escape, we have covalently attached a red-light sensitive phthalocyanine photosensitizer surrounded by a lipid bilayer.[1] Photoactivation leads to endosomal membrane rupture in cells causing cargo release from the mesopores. These and other examples demonstrate that mesoporous silica nanoparticles constitute a promising and flexible platform for numerous biomedical applications.[1] S. A. Mackowiak, A. Schmidt, V. Weiss, C. Argyo, C. von Schirnding, T. Bein, C. Br�uchle, Nano Lett. 2013, 13, 2576.

Controlling the interactions of mesoporous silica nanoparticles with cells through multiple functionalities

247th National Meeting (2014)

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