Controllable synthesis of versatile mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles as precision cancer theranostics.

Abstract

Despite the advantages of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) in drug delivery, the inherent non-biodegradability seriously impedes the clinical translation of inorganic MSNs, so the current research focus has been turned to mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (MONs) with higher biocompatibility and easier biodegradability. Recent remarkable advances in silica fabrication chemistry have catalyzed the emergence of a library of MONs with various structures and functions. This review will summarize the latest state-of-the-art studies on the precise control of morphology, structure, framework, particle size and pore size of MONs, which enables the precise synthesis of MONs with suitable engineering for precision stimuli-responsive drug delivery/release, bioimaging and synergistic therapy. Besides, the potential challenges about the future development of MONs are also outlooked with the intention of attracting more researchers to promote the clinical translation of MONs.