Albumin-coated paclitaxel-mesoporous silicon nanoparticles (APMSN) were prepared to improve the anticancer effect in lung cancer by means of regulating the dissolution rate of paclitaxel (PTX). PTX was absorbed into the mesoporous structure of mesoporous silicon nanoparticles (MSN), which was defined as PMSN. PTX was proved to exist in an amorphous state in PMSN, which increased the dissolution rate of PTX. Albumin was coated on the surface of MSN to form AMSN; AMSN and PTX were mixed to form APMSN in order to achieve sustained release of PTX. Then, it was found that APMSN had more significant antiproliferate effects and induced more apoptotic proportion in comparison with PTX in A549 cells. Furthermore, the absorption mechanism of APMSN into A549 cells was investigated. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) showed that APMSN could cross the cell membrane and was taken into the cytoplasm quickly. Taken together, our results demonstrate that AMSN carriers have potential as nanodrug delivery systems in the treatment of lung cancer
