Smart drug delivery: Capping strategies for mesoporous silica nanoparticles

• Published in: Microporous and mesoporous materials 2020-06, Vol.299, p.110115, Article 110115
• Main Authors: Bakhshian Nik, Amirala, Zare, Hossein, Razavi, Seyedsahameddin, Mohammadi, Hesameddin, Torab Ahmadi, Pooya, Yazdani, Narges, Bayandori, Mehrdad, Rabiee, Navid, Izadi Mobarakeh, Jalal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Capping strategies; Controlled drug release; Mesoporous silica nanoparticles; Smart drug delivery
• ISSN: 1387-1811; 1873-3093
• DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2020.110115

Systematic delivery of therapeutic agents to specific sites, with a stimulus-responsive drug release profile is currently a rapidly growing area. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are the useful platforms as drug/gene delivery systems due to their unique properties including the ability to control the pore size, high porosity, and morphology, which can directly affect the mechanism and profile of drug release. The appropriate fabrication strategy can tailor the particle shape and size, leading to enhanced delivery and release mechanisms. The MSN surface can be modified by using either organic or inorganic molecules to induce smart and site-specific drug delivery and release. Furthermore, application of molecules that function as pore gatekeepers with the ability to uncap via physiochemical stimuli can enhance the efficiency of drug delivery and release. This report aims to highlight the recent efforts and developments of strategies applied to render MSNs smarter and more effective for drug delivery applications. [Display omitted] •Mesoporous silica nanoparticles are versatile platforms for drug delivery purposes.•Mesoporous silica nanoparticles size and morphology affect their biocompatibility.•Sealing the mesopores with capping agents prevent pre-mature and off-target release.•Smart mesoporous silica nanoparticles respond to stimuli to unlade the cargo.