Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles in Biomedicine: Design Strategies, Functional Applications, and Safety Considerations for Advanced Drug Delivery Systems

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have emerged as a versatile class of nanomaterials with significant potential in biomedical applications due to their unique structural and physicochemical properties. Characterized by high surface area, tunable pore size, large pore volume, and adaptable surface chemistry, MSNs provide an efficient platform for the encapsulation and controlled release of a wide range of therapeutic agents. This review highlights recent advancements in the design, synthesis, functionalization, and application of MSNs, particularly in drug delivery, cancer therapy, antibacterial treatment, and tissue engineering. Various structural forms such as MCM-41, MCM-48, and SBA-15 have been discussed in relation to their distinct pore architectures and performance characteristics. Additionally, emerging hybrid systems, including MSN–metal–organic framework composites and stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, demonstrate enhanced targeting precision and multifunctional therapeutic capabilities. Despite these advantages, concerns regarding cytotoxicity, immunogenicity, biodistribution, and long-term biodegradability remain critical challenges. Surface modification strategies, while improving targeting and circulation time, may also alter biological interactions and increase complexity in safety evaluation. Current research is largely limited to in vitro studies, with insufficient in vivo and long-term assessments. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between MSNs and biological systems is essential for their safe and effective clinical translation. Overall, MSNs represent a promising platform for next-generation nanomedicine, but further interdisciplinary research is required to optimize their performance and address safety concerns.