Lipid bilayer modified gold nanorod@mesoporous silica nanoparticles for controlled drug delivery triggered by near-infrared light

Integration of various theranostic modalities into one nanoplatform for combined treatment of tumor is highly desirable in the field of biomedicine. However, it is still challenging to engineer such a platform with good biocompatibility, multifunctionality, and response to external stimuli. Herein, biocompatible lipid bilayer modified mesoporous silica coated gold nanorods (AuNRs) nanocomposites were developed. The heat from near-infrared (NIR)-stimulated AuNR cores could improve the permeability of the lipid bilayer, thereby leading to drug release. The in vitro results exhibited the DOX loaded nanocomposites to have high treatment efficiency in HeLa cells upon NIR irradiation. They may find potential in cancer treatment.