A multifunctional biphasic suspension of mesoporous silica encapsulated with YVO4:Eu3+ and Fe3O4 nanoparticles: synergistic effect towards cancer therapy and imaging

Polyol mediated synthesized luminescent YVO4:Eu3+ nanoparticles (NPs) have been encapsulated in mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) using the sol-gel process. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy along with transmission electron microscopy confirm the encapsulation of the YVO4:Eu3+ NPs in the SiO2 matrix. N-2 adsorption/desorption analysis confirms the mesoporous nature of the MSNs and YVO4:Eu3+-MSNs. No significant quenching of the YVO4:Eu3+ luminescence is observed for YVO4:Eu3+-MSNs. This nanocomposite has been tested as a potential drug carrier. Efficient loading of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX), a typical anticancer drug, is observed which reaches up to 93% in 8 mg ml(-1) of YVO4:Eu3+-MSNs. pH sensitive release of DOX is observed, with 54% release for pH 4.3 and 31% in a physiological environment (pH 7.4). Both MSNs and YVO4:Eu3+-MSNs nanocomposites do not show accountable toxicity to two cell lines, i.e. HeLa and MCF-7. However, as desired, toxicity is observed when cells are incubated with DOX loaded YVO4:Eu3+-MSNs. Laser scanning confocal microscopy images confirm the uptake of the nanocomposite in both cell lines. The morphology of the cells (MCF-7) changes after incubation with DOX loaded YVO4:Eu3+-MSNs, indicating an interaction of DOX with the cells. More cytotoxicity to both cell lines with similar to 90% killing is observed due to the synergistic effect of magnetic fluid hyperthermia and chemotherapy using a biphasic suspension of superparamagnetic iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles and DOX loaded YVO4:Eu3+-MSNs. In addition, an AC magnetic field triggers an enhanced drug release.