Dual-Functional Silicon-Based Nanofluorescent Platform for Iron Detection and Capecitabine Delivery in Colorectal Cancer Treatment.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses significant challenges due to its high incidence and mortality. Addressing limitations like poor bioavailability and off-target effects of traditional chemotherapy, we engineered PDMS-CP1@1@Capecitabine nanoparticles. This novel formulation incorporates a gadolinium-based coordination polymer synthesized via a hydrothermal reaction with a thiourea Schiff-base ligand and embedded in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix, enhanced by the bioactive compound 1 from actinomycetes. Structural characterization demonstrated a crystalline nature with distinct XRD peaks at 21.4° and 25.6°, alongside remarkable fluorescence with peak emission at 444 nm and superior Fe3+ selectivity, showing 90% quenching efficiency against Fe3+ compared to other ions. These nanoparticles reduced CRC cell viability by up to 55% at 20 µg/mL, modulating USP22 and HSP90 expression, validated by molecular docking confirming hydrogen bonding interactions. PDMS-CP1@1@Capecitabine emerges as a potent targeted therapy for CRC, enhancing drug delivery and offering a novel approach for iron monitoring, pivotal for personalized treatment strategies.