Cutting-edge advancements in anticancer drug delivery and scope for theranostics using biocompatible multifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles

Abstract

With the advancement in nanotechnology, treatment of cancer has improved significantly in the past few decades. However, the hunt for exciting new generation of nanocarriers has no end. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), with their distinct properties such as high surface area and pore volume, high drug loading capacity, easy surface functionalization along with good biocompatibility, have emerged as potential nanocarriers, particularly in cancer therapy. This review focuses on the application of MSNs in cancer treatment, initially unfolding the various methods to synthesize MSNs, while tailoring their surface characteristics via functionalization techniques. The paper also covers cancer targeting methodologies in depth, including passive, active, and stimuli-responsive approaches. Along with this, multimodal application of MSNs in theranosis of cancer is also covered. Additionally, the effect of MSNs' physicochemical characteristics and shape on their biocompatibility and toxicity is outlined. Moreover, the article aims to provide an overview of the various methods available for biocompatibility assessment of MSNs, along with the strategies rendering improvement in MSNs biocompatibility. Overall, this article serves as a valuable resource for researchers working in the field of nanomedicine, facilitating the development of effective and safe MSNs-based drug delivery systems for cancer therapy.