Dual stimuli-responsive nanoplatform based on core-shell structured graphene oxide/mesoporous silica@alginate.

A dual stimuli-responsive nanoplatform was rationally designed for controlled drug delivery. The nanosheets of graphene oxide (GO) were first modified with aminated mesoporous silica (NH 2 -mSiO 2), and then methotrexate (MTX) was loaded into the mesopores of mSiO 2. Alginate (Alg) acted as the "gatekeeper" was then anchored to the MTX-loaded GO/NH 2 -mSiO 2 by amidation reaction, achieving the encapsulation of MTX in the core-shell structured GO/mSiO 2 @Alg. Due to the high pH sensitivity of amide bond and the excellent photothermal conversion ability of GO, the constructed nanoplatform could be used for pH and near-infrared (NIR) controlled delivery of MTX. The results of cell viability test demonstrate the high inhibitory rate of the dual stimuli-responsive nanoplatform toward hepatoma (HepG2) cells. • Core-shell structured GO/mSiO 2 @Alg is prepared for stimuli-responsive drug delivery. • The Alg layer can act as a "gatekeeper" and inhibit the burst release of MTX. • The constructed nanoplatform can be used for pH and NIR controlled release of MTX. • Cell viability test indicates the high cell inhibitory ability of the nanoplatform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]