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Updated: Jan 28, 2026
Synthesis and Catalytic Performance of Gold Intercalated in the Walls of Mesoporous Silica
Published on: July 9, 2015
Recent advancements in mesoporous silica nanoparticles towards therapeutic applications for cancer
Tingting Li1, Sixiang Shi2, Shreya Goel3
1School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China; Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA; Center for Information in Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China.
Abstract:
Recently, drug delivery systems based on nanotechnology have received great attention in cancer therapeutics and diagnostics since they can not only improve the treatment efficacy but also reduce the side effects. Among them, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with large surface area, high pore volume, tunable pore size, abundant surface chemistry, and acceptable biocompatibility exhibit unique advantages and are considered as promising candidates for cancer diagnosis and therapy. In this review, we update the recent progress on MSN-based systems for cancer treatment purposes. We also discuss the drug loading mechanism of MSNs, stimuli-responsive drug release, and surface modification strategies for improving biocompatibility, and targeting functionalities. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The development of MSN-based delivery systems that can be used in both diagnosis and treatment of cancer has attracted tremendous interest in the past decade. MSN-based delivery systems can improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce cytotoxicity to normal tissue. To further improve the in vivo properties of MSNs and potential translation to the clinics, it is critical to design MSNs with appropriate surface engineering and desirable cancer targeting. This review is intended to provide the readers a comprehensive background of the vast literature till date on silica-based drug delivery systems, and to inspire further innovations in silica nanomedicine in the future.
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