A new class of nanoparticle (NP) is fabricated by cross-linking amino-functionalized silsesquioxane units with zinc ions via coordination bonds to create a drug delivery nanocarrier exhibiting rapid drug-release together with self-decomposition in response to glutathione (GSH). Regarding doxorubicin-loaded NPs, characterization of the nanostructures, their responsiveness to GSH and their cellular uptake by HeLa cells are examined.