Recent Progress of Chiral Mesoporous Silica Nanostructures: From Synthesis to Applications

Chiral mesoporous silica nanostructures (MSNs) have emerged as a cutting-edge material in nanotechnology. These nanostructures not only retain the tunable physicochemical properties of traditional MSNs—such as adjustable pore size, high surface area, and excellent biocompatibility—but also exhibit unique functionalities and biological behaviors due to their helical architectures at both molecular and macroscopic levels. This inherent chirality grants chiral MSNs exceptional potential in diverse applications, including chiral catalysis, enantiomeric separation, chiral recognition, and advanced drug delivery systems. Over the past five years, substantial progress has been made in understanding their synthesis mechanisms and practical applications. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in chiral silica nanostructures, with a focus on the synthesis strategies and applications of chiral MSNs. Emphasis is placed on their roles in chiral recognition, drug delivery, chiral separation, nanomedicine, and asymmetric catalysis. By highlighting these developments, this review serves as a roadmap for the rational design and translational applications of chiral silica nanostructures, offering valuable guidance for unlocking their full potential.