19 - From inert silica carrier derivatives to a source of bioavailable silicium in the field of cosmetic, pharmaceutical, luxury, and food industries

Abstract

Mesoporous silica (MPS) particles (MSPs) have been exhibiting and offering multiple applications due to their features including large surface area, high pore volume with adjustable pore size, and excellent biocompatibility. The use of MSPs as source of silicium (silicon) has not been extensively studied. It now appears certain, as already predicted by L. Pasteur in 1878 “Silicon is expected to revolutionize our therapeutic methods.” The stable Si–O–Si network structure makes MSPs difficult to degrade in aqueous media. Therefore there is a strong and definitive desire to design and develop tailor-made and customized biodegradable MPS. Although many efforts have been devoted to improve and boost their biodegradability, optimizing the biodegradation of MSPs has not been effectively realized to date but by very few research teams. The latest tests and results especially due to Sil’innov and Eytelia impressive work will be discussed as they are dealing with numerous applications in the food, feeding, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industry, making silicium becoming a high-end luxury active principle for something that could be considered as a breaking new premiere.