Ultrasound-Responsive Smart Drug Delivery System of Lipid Coated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

• Main Authors: Muhammad Umair Amin, Sajid Ali, Imran Tariq, Muhammad Yasir Ali, Shashank Reddy Pinnapreddy, Eduard Preis, Christian Wölk, Richard D. Harvey, Gerd Hause, Jana Brüßler, Udo Bakowsky
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-09-01
• Series: Pharmaceutics
• Subjects: mesoporous silica nanoparticles; lipid coating; ultrasound triggered release; mechanical index; cellular uptake
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/13/9/1396

The immediate release of chemotherapeutics at the target site, along with no premature release in circulation is always challenging. The purpose of this study was to develop a stimuli responsive drug delivery system, composed of lipid supported mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) for triggered drug release at the target site and simultaneously avoiding the premature release. MSNPs with a higher drug loading capacity and very slow release were designed so as to enhance release by FDA approved US-irradiation. Doxorubicin, as a model drug, and perfluoropentane (PFP) as a US responsive material, were entrapped in the porous structure of MSNPs. Lipid coating enhanced the cellular uptake and in addition provided a gatekeeping effect at the pore opening to reduce premature release. The mechanical and thermal effects of US induced the conversion of liquid PFP to a gaseous form that was able to rupture the lipid layer, resulting in triggered drug release. The prolonged stability profile and non-toxic behavior made them suitable candidate for the delivery of anticancer drugs. This smart system, with the abilities of better cellular uptake and higher cytotoxic effects on US-irradiation, would be a good addition to the applied side of chemotherapeutic advanced drug delivery systems.