Photothermally Triggered Control of the Drug Delivery System Using Doxorubicin-Loaded Mesoporous Silica for Effective Killing of Human Hepatoma Cells

Photothermal-temperature responsive [Ag nanoparticles-hollow mesoporous silica nanospheres–poly (N-isopropyl acrylamide-acrylic acid)] (Ag@HMSN@PNIPAM-AA) nanoparticles were designed and prepared, and the combination of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) and [poly (N-isopropyl acrylamide-acrylic acid)] (PNIPAM-AA) was used as a switch of the photothermal-temperature effect to control drug release. The results of cell culture in vitro showed that [mesoporous silica nanospheres–poly (N-isopropyl acrylamide-acrylic acid)] (MSN@PNIPAM-AA) and Ag@HMSN@PNIPAM-AA nanoparticles had good biocompatibility and less cytotoxicity, and Ag@HMSN@PNIPAM-AA nanoparticles had higher cell inhibition under 808 nm near-infrared light. The combination of near-infrared light and doxorubicin showed higher drug release efficiency and a stronger inhibitory effect on HepG2 cell growth. These characteristics indicate that Ag@HMSN@PNIPAM-AA nanoparticles have great potential for treatment. This study also proved the universal applicability of Ag@HMSN@PNIPAM-AA nanoparticles. Different model drugs and nanoparticles can play different roles and have development potential.