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Updated: Dec 12, 2025

Porous Silicon Microparticles for Delivery of siRNA Therapeutics
Published on: January 15, 2015
Silica Nanoparticles in Transmucosal Drug Delivery
Twana Mohammed M Ways1,2, Keng Wooi Ng3, Wing Man Lau3
1Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AD, UK.
Abstract:
Transmucosal drug delivery includes the administration of drugs via various mucous membranes, such as gastrointestinal, nasal, ocular, and vaginal mucosa. The use of nanoparticles in transmucosal drug delivery has several advantages, including the protection of drugs against the harsh environment of the mucosal lumens and surfaces, increased drug residence time, and enhanced drug absorption. Due to their relatively simple synthetic methods for preparation, safety profile, and possibilities of surface functionalisation, silica nanoparticles are highly promising for transmucosal drug delivery. This review provides a description of silica nanoparticles and outlines the preparation methods for various core and surface-functionalised silica nanoparticles. The relationship between the functionalities of silica nanoparticles and their interactions with various mucous membranes are critically analysed. Applications of silica nanoparticles in transmucosal drug delivery are also discussed.
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