Mesoporous silica shell alleviates cytotoxicity and inflammation induced by colloidal silica particles

Core–shell mesoporous silica (MPS) materials have been proven to perform multiple simultaneous functions in biological systems and they demonstrate a vast potential for applications in the medical arena. Exploring such extensive potential requires a meticulous evaluation of their interactions with cells. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of MPS-shells on the viability and activation of human THP-1 macrophages by comparing core–shell MPS with colloidal silica particles. In the present study we find core–shell MPS particles with a solid colloidal silica core and a thin MPS-shell deliver significantly less cytotoxicity than their nonporous counterparts and induce lower expression and release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages. Moreover, core–shell MPS particles show no effect on the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), while colloidal silica particles do activate MAPKs under identical conditions. The corona of core–shell MPS particles is composed of a greater amount and variety of proteins as compared with colloidal silica particles. The abundant protein composition of the corona may inhibit the cellular toxicity by masking surface silanol groups at the MPS-cellular interface. In conclusion, the MPS-shell significantly alleviates both cytotoxicity and immune responses induced by colloidal silica particles while greatly improving the biocompatibility of colloidal silica materials.