Major research efforts have been undertaken to improve cancer therapeutics by targeting their delivery directly to cancerous tissues. These investigations towards targeted drug delivery include the use of targeting agents � often biomolecules such as antibodies or aptamers � in conjunction with carrier particles, such as liposomes, viral capsids, polymers and nanoparticles, which contain the therapeutic cargo. One such vehicle � namely, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) � has been investigated as effective nanocarriers due to their large internal volume for cargo loading, stability, and biocompatibility. By elaborating MSNPs with molecular switches, we have previously shown that it is possible to create MSNPs that release their cargo upon exposure to specific stimuli. In order to use these mechanized MSNPs as effective drug delivery agents that deliver their therapeutic cargo exclusively in tumor tissue, it is necessary to attach targeting groups to the surface of the particle. Towards this end, we have developed a versatile, tunable surface chemistry for MSNPs using alkoxyamine functional groups. This allows the conjugation of aldehyde and ketone containing targeting groups, a bioorthogoanal reaction handle that can be readily introduced into a variety of biomolecules.

Functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles

248th National Meeting (2014)

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