Scheme 1

Schematic representation of the nanoVector fabrication and the nanotherapeutic strategy for treating Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Cells. a Illustration of the nanoVector fabrication. b Illustration of antitumor activity of the novel PDT/BD combination nanotherapeutic strategy. The hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSN MMT-2) was used as a vector, which was functionalized with PS (PpIX) and loaded with bioreductive drugs (TPZ). The surface of MMT-2 was further modified with the DNA aptamer, LXL-1, which resulted in the targeted drug delivery system that selectively targeted TNBC cell line, MDA-MB-231. Oxygen consumption caused by the irradiation of PpIX led to the activation of TPZ and enhanced antitumor activity, which resulted in the synergism of PDT and bioreductive chemotherapy