Core–Shell Imidazoline–Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Superparamagnetic Hybrid Nanoparticles as a Potential Theranostic Agent for Controlled Delivery of Platinum(II) Compound

INTRODUCTION: As widely used chemotherapeutic agents, platinum compounds have several therapeutic challenges, such as drug resistance and adverse effects. Theranostic systems, macromolecular or colloidal therapeutics with companion diagnostics, not only address controlled drug delivery but also enable real-time monitoring of tumor sites. METHODS: Synthesis of magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MMSNs) was performed for dual magnetic resonance imaging and drug delivery. MMSN surfaces were modified by imidazoline groups (MMSN-Imi) for cisplatin (Cis-Pt) conjugation via free N-termini to achieve well-controlled drug-release kinetics. Cis-Pt adsorption isotherms and drug-release profile at pH 5 and 7.4 were investigated using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. RESULTS: MMSN-Imi showed a specific surface area of 517.6 m(2) g(−1), mean pore diameter of 3.26 nm, and saturated magnetization of 53.63 emu/g. A relatively high r(2)/r(1) relaxivity value was obtained for MMSN-Imi. The nanoparticles provided high Cis-Pt loading with acceptable loading capacity (~30% w:w). Sustained release of Cis-Pt under acidic conditions led to specific inhibitory effects on the growth of human epithelial ovarian carcinoma cells, determined using MTT assays. Dual acridine orange–propidium iodide staining was investigated, confirming induction of apoptosis and necrotic cell death. CONCLUSION: MMSN-Imi exhibited potential for applications in cancer chemotherapy and combined imaging.