Potential of MRI-based sensing of cargo release from mesoporous silica for tracking drug delivery capabilities

Novel research results on application of multi-step surface 
functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) in 
targeted cancer therapy and MRI imaging are
demonstrated. The external surface of MSN is 
functionalized with Chlorotoxin which targets the most 
aggressive type of brain cancer-Glioblastoma multiforme 
(GBM). Entrapping drugs (e.g. Paclitaxel) and the FDAapproved MRI contrast agent Gadobutrol within the pores 
is achieved through binding of cyclodextrin to the pore 
entrances through an acidification-cleavable hydrazone 
linkage. This further enables pH-responsive drug or 
contrast agent release from the MSNs. The tests on cancer 
cells reveal the capabilities of the prepared materials to 
deliver drugs and kill cancer cells. On the other hand, the 
tests involving MRI measurements revealed the 
capabilities of real time tracking of the release of contrast 
agents by MRI, which evidences the promising potential 
for the development of MRI-based methodology for 
monitoring and tracking the release of therapeutic content