Mesoporous Silica and Organosilica Nanoparticles: Physical Chemistry, Biosafety, Delivery Strategies, and Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Predetermining the physico-chemical properties, biosafety, and stimuli-responsiveness of nanomaterials in biological environments is essential for safe and effective biomedical applications. At the forefront of biomedical research, mesoporous silica nanoparticles and mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles are increasingly investigated to predict their biological outcome by materials design. In this review, it is first chronicled that how the nanomaterial design of pure silica, partially hybridized organosilica, and fully hybridized organosilica (periodic mesoporous organosilicas) governs not only the physico-chemical properties but also the biosafety of the nanoparticles. The impact of the hybridization on the biocompatibility, protein corona, biodistribution, biodegradability, and clearance of the silica-based particles is described. Then, the influence of the surface engineering, the framework hybridization, as well as the morphology of the particles, on the ability to load and controllably deliver drugs under internal biological stimuli (e.g., pH, redox, enzymes) and external noninvasive stimuli (e.g., light, magnetic, ultrasound) are presented. To conclude, trends in the biomedical applications of silica and organosilica nanovectors are delineated, such as unconventional bioimaging techniques, large cargo delivery, combination therapy, gaseous molecule delivery, antimicrobial protection, and Alzheimer's disease therapy.

Organosilica Nanoparticles for Gemcitabine Monophosphate Delivery in Cancer Cells

“…Of interest are their porous analogues, which have also been reviewed and are particularly suitable for theranostic applications and drug delivery . Indeed, their properties are very different from that of well‐known mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) . Hydrophilic drugs such as anti‐cancer drug gemcitabine cannot be encapsulated in MSN without the elaboration of stimuli‐responsive stoppers to block the pores .…”

“…[4][5][6] Indeed, their properties are very different from that of well-known mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN). [7] Hydrophilic drugs such as anti-cancer drug gemcitabine cannot be encapsulated in MSN without the elaboration of stimuli-responsive stoppers to block the pores. [8][9][10][11][12] We recently demonstrated that gemcitabine and gemcitabine monophosphate (GMP) could be loaded in 1,2-bis (triethoxysilyl)ethane-based periodic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (PMO NPs) with high capacity.…”

Interfacial Assembly of Mesoporous Silica‐Based Optical Heterostructures for Sensing Applications

“…Diversified sensing applications can be realized by different morphology designs. Various morphologies of MSMs are discussed here, which might provide the influence and progress for further optical sensing design …”

Inorganic Salt Assisted Self‐Assembly of Periodic Mesoporous Organosilicas with Various Structures under Alkaline Conditions

“…This unique structural composition allows to do chemistry within the channel walls,, which failitates the integration of various organic functions into mesoporous materials without pore blockage, tailoring the physical and chemical properties of the materials . Moreover, besides the organic‐inorganic hybrid framework, the organic moieties within PMOs permits further chemical modification which endow PMOs with nearly endless possibility of different organic functions, leading to materials with great potentials in catalysis, environmental technology, biomedicine, etc …”