Mesoporous silica nanoparticles: Synthesis, functionalization, drug loading and release - A review

A brief survey on the synthesis of several types of mesoporous silica nanoparticles and their uses as drug delivery nanocarriers is presented in this study. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have a small pore size, resulting in a large surface area and porosity. These characteristics are easily adjustable, conferring on MSNs advantages over other nanoparticles for use in medicine and pharmacy. Previous and latest trends in the technology of this type of nanoparticles, and the possibilities for their application in drug loading are considered, as well as methods for increasing drug loading capacity, functionalization and release of bioactive substances. It has been found that the method used for the synthesis of some types of MSNs results in better drug loading. The functionalization of nanoparticles not only allows for more successful loading of bioactive substances in its pores, it also successfully controls drug release. Moreover, these versatile nanoparticles enhance the solubility of poorly-soluble drugs, thereby overcoming one of the biggest problems in the absorption of these drugs.