Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Biocompatibility and Drug Delivery

• Published in: Advanced materials (Weinheim) Vol. 24; no. 12; pp. 1504 - 1534
• Main Authors: Tang, Fangqiong, Li, Linlin, Chen, Dong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim WILEY-VCH Verlag 22.03.2012; WILEY‐VCH Verlag
• Subjects: Animals; biocompatibility; Biocompatible Materials - adverse effects; Biocompatible Materials - chemical synthesis; Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; cancer targeted therapy; Drug Carriers - adverse effects; Drug Carriers - chemical synthesis; Drug Carriers - chemistry; drug delivery; hollow; Humans; mesoporous silica nanoparticles; Nanomedicine - methods; Nanoparticles - adverse effects; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Porosity; Silicon Dioxide - adverse effects; Silicon Dioxide - chemical synthesis; Silicon Dioxide - chemistry
• ISSN: 0935-9648; 1521-4095; 1521-4095
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.201104763

In the past decade, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have attracted more and more attention for their potential biomedical applications. With their tailored mesoporous structure and high surface area, MSNs as drug delivery systems (DDSs) show significant advantages over traditional drug nanocarriers. In this review, we overview the recent progress in the synthesis of MSNs for drug delivery applications. First, we provide an overview of synthesis strategies for fabricating ordered MSNs and hollow/rattle‐type MSNs. Then, the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility and biotranslocation of MSNs are discussed in relation to their chemophysical properties including particle size, surface properties, shape, and structure. The review also highlights the significant achievements in drug delivery using mesoporous silica nanoparticles and their multifunctional counterparts as drug carriers. In particular, the biological barriers for nano‐based targeted cancer therapy and MSN‐based targeting strategies are discussed. We conclude with our personal perspectives on the directions in which future work in this field might be focused. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are drawing growing attention for their biomedical applications. With unique mesoporous structure, high surface area and low toxicity, MSNs exhibit super performance as versatile drug delivery systems especially for cancer therapy. This review focuses on recent progresses of synthesis strategies, biocompatibility research and drug delivery application of MSNs.