Advances in mesoporous silica nanoparticles for targeted stimuli-responsive drug delivery: an update

Abstract

Introduction: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are outstanding nanoplatforms for drug delivery. Herein, the most recent advances to turn MSN-based carriers into minimal side effect drug delivery agents are covered. Areas covered: This review summarizes the scientific advances dealing with MSNs for targeted and stimuli-responsive drug delivery since 2015. Delivery aspects to diseased tissues together with approaches to obtain smart MSNs able to respond to internal or external stimuli and their applications are here described. Special emphasis is done on the combination of two or more stimuli on the same nanoplatform and on combined drug therapy. Expert opinion: The use of MSNs in nanomedicine is a promising research field because they are outstanding platforms for treating different pathologies. This is possible thanks to their structural, chemical, physical and biological properties. However, there are certain issues that should be overcome to improve the suitability of MSNs for clinical applications. All materials must be properly characterized prior to their in vivo evaluation; furthermore, preclinical in vivo studies need to be standardized to demonstrate the MSNs clinical translation potential.

Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery

“…and magnetite nanoparticles as core of MSNs. Adapted from reference [22] with permission from Taylor & Francis Academic Journal.…”

Targeted Nano-Drug Delivery of Colchicine against Colon Cancer Cells by Means of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

“…In the current study, we constructed a DDS for COL using three-dimensional fibrous dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles with a spherical shape (MSNs) known as KCC-1 type [26,30]. MSNs have been investigated as a drug delivery carrier for several drugs and biomolecules [27,31,32]. The tailored DDS comprises MSNs functionalized with phosphonate functional groups (MSNsP), and then loaded with COL MSNsPCOL, with the latter product subsequently coated with chitosan-glycine conjugated to folic acid (FA) to obtain a nanoformulation called MSNsPCOL/CG-FA.…”

Nanomaterials as Promising Alternative in the Infection Treatment

“…The term “nano”, according to the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), refers to any product with properties or phenomena attributable to its dimensions, when such dimensions are in the nanoscale range of 1–100 nm [8,9]. These nanomaterials have unique properties compared to their bulk chemical counterparts, such as large surface area to volume ratio and versatility, which could enhance their influence on a given microorganism and other diseases [10,11,12]. The advantage of these nanomaterial formulations over conventional systems is that they can increase treatment efficacy and decrease side effects through their precise targeting mode of action.…”