Novel Core-Interlayer-Shell DOX/ZnPc Co-loaded MSNs@ Ph-Sensitive CaP@PEGylated Liposome for Enhanced Synergetic Chemo-Photodynamic Therapy

Purpose This work was intended to develop novel doxorubicin (DOX)/zinc (II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc) co-loaded mesoporous silica (MSNs)@ calcium phosphate (CaP)@PEGylated liposome nanoparticles (NPs) that could efficiently achieve collaborative anticancer therapy by the combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and chemotherapy. The interlayer of CaP could be utilized to achieve pH-triggered controllable drug release, promote the cellular uptake, and induce cell apoptosis to further enhance the anticancer effects. Methods MSNs were first synthesized as core particles in which the pores were diffusion-filled with DOX, then the cores were coated by CaP followed by the liposome encapsulation with ZnPc to form the final DOX/ZnPc co-loaded MSNs@CaP@PEGylated liposome. Results A core-interlayer-shell MSNs@CaP@PEGylated liposomes was developed as a multifunctional theranostic nanoplatform. In vitro experiment indicated that CaP could not only achieve pH-triggered controllable drug release, promote the cellular uptake of the NPs, but also generate high osmotic pressure in the endo/lysosomes to induce cell apoptosis. Besides, the chemotherapy using DOX and PDT effect was achieved by the photosensitizer ZnPc. Furthermore, the MSNs@CaP@PEGylated liposomes showed outstanding tumor-targeting ability by enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Conclusions The novel prepared MSNs@CaP@PEGylated liposomes could serve as a promising multifunctional theranostic nanoplatform in anticancer treatment by synergic chemo-PDT and superior tumor-targeting ability.