A pH-Responsive Nanoplatform Based on Magnetic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Enhanced Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

This study presents the pH-responsive nanoplatform DOX@M-MSN-5-FAM@PDA (DM-F@P) to improve the treatment of pancreatic cancer. DM-F@P is a combination of magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (M-MSN) and a pH-responsive polydopamine (PDA) outer layer to ensure the controlled delivery of loaded drugs. The combination of doxorubicin (DOX) and 5-carboxyfluorescein (5-FAM) fluorescent dyes in DM-F@P imparts chemotherapy and fluorescence imaging capabilities. The pH-responsive PDA shell permits the controlled release of DOX, specifically in the tumor microenvironment, thereby enabling accurate treatment. Moreover, PDA is highly biocompatible. In vitro and in vivo research has confirmed the powerful effectiveness of DM-F@P against pancreatic cancer and its minimal toxicity toward normal cells. Additionally, the magnetic Fe3O4 component of DM-F@P enabled magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This innovative nanomaterial provides an integrated diagnostic platform that combines therapeutic and imaging capabilities; therefore, it is considered a modality that facilitates pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment.