Multifunctional Nanohybrid Based on Porous Silicon Nanoparticles, Gold Nanoparticles, and Acetalated Dextran for Liver Regeneration and Acute Liver Failure Theranostics

Herein, a novel nanohybrid based on porous silicon, gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), and acetalated dextran (DPSi/DAu@AcDEX) is reported to encapsulate and deliver one drug and increase the computer tomography (CT) signal for acute-liver-failure (ALF) theranostics. A microfluidic-assisted method is used to co-encapsulate different NPs in a single step. By alternating the surface properties of different NPs and by modulating the composition of the organic phase, both PSi and Au NPs are effectively encapsulated into the polymer matrix simultaneously, thus further achieving a multifunctional application. This system can be used to identify pathologically changes in the tissues and selectively deliver drugs to these sites. The loading of a therapeutic compound (XMU-MP-1) improves the drug solubility, precise, in situ drug delivery, and the drug-functioning time. In vivo results confirm a superior treatment effect and better compliance of this newly developed nanoformulation than free compound. This nanosystem plays a crucial role in targeting the lesion area, thus increasing the local drug concentration important for ALF reverse-effect. Moreover, the residence of Au NPs within the matrix further endows our system for CT-imaging. Altogether, these results support that this nanohybrid is a potential theranostic platform for ALF.