Mixing liposomes with hydrophilic particles will induce fusion of the liposome onto the particle surface. Such supported bilayers have been extensively studied as a model for the cell membrane, while its application in drug delivery has not been pursued. In this communication, we report the use of phospholipids to achieve synergistic loading and encapsulating of a fluorescent dye (calcein) in mesoporous silica nanoparticles, and its delivery into mammalian cells. We found that cationic lipid DOTAP provides the highest calcein loading with the concentration inside silica ∼110× higher than that in the solution under experimental conditions. Compared to some other nanoparticle systems, protocells provide a simple construct for loading, sealing, delivering and releasing, and should serve as a useful system in nanomedicine.
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