Bovine serum albumin-mediated copper sulfide nanocomplex (BSA/CuS) was modified on the mesoporous silica (MSN) loaded with chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) by amide bond to prepare a new drug carrier MSN-DOX@BSA/CuS. The disulfide bond of blocking agent BSA broke down after the redox reaction with glutathione, resulting in the MSN pore exposure and release of DOX. As a photothermal reagent, CuS could convert light energy into heat for photothermal therapy. UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectra were used to investigate the absorption properties of the carrier. The results showed that the carrier had strong absorption in the range of 800–1100 nm and could realize the photothermal conversion under the near infrared light. In addition, MSN@BSA/CuS was incubated with cancer cells and showed no cytotoxicity. When MSN-DOX@BSA/CuS was added, the relative survival rate of the cells decreased to 49%. After the extra laser, only 18% cells survived. The above results showed that the synthesized nano drug carrier could realize the synergistic treatment of photothermal therapy and chemotherapy, and effectively improve the treatment efficiency of cancer.
