The Fe3O4@mSiO2 with suitable size and good magnetic responsibility were successfully synthesized
The DOX loaded into carriers at a high drug loading efficiency of 93.6% by electrostatic interaction
The CS acted as "gatekeeper" was employed to endow the delivery system pH-sensitivity and inhibit premature drug release
The DOX can be controlled released at pH < 6.0 due to the dissolution of CS
The CS/Fe3O4@mSiO2-DOX exhibited high anti-tumor activity, while the Fe3O4@mSiO2 was practically non-toxic