A review of the production and application of mesoporous carbon and its potential as an excellent carrier for the adsorptive delivery of compounds

Abstract The unique beneficial effects and physicochemical properties of mesoporous carbon have led to a wide range of applications in the environmental, medical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food fields, etc. This article reviews recent advances in the sources, synthesis methods and application areas of mesoporous carbon and its smart compound delivery response. The interaction mechanisms determined from experimental results and characterization analysis are discussed. The porous structure, large specific surface area and pore volume, adjustable pore size, and easy surface modification of mesoporous carbon materials have improved their application ability. Mesoporous carbon-based nanocarriers have been developed to improve the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of some compounds. The easy modification of the mesoporous carbon surface as well as the high encapsulation rate and drug loading capacity have led to the development of nanodelivery systems that release compounds via biointelligent responses. In the field of drug delivery, mesoporous carbon nanomaterials combine the advantages of mesoporous structures and carbonaceous compositions and exhibit advantages over traditional food-grade carriers. Although the high delivery performance of mesoporous carbon-based nanocarriers has achieved promising results, their production process is complex, the preparation process requirements are high, and there is a lack of clinical evidence regarding their potential nanotoxicity, which limits their commercial application. This article delves into the applications of mesoporous carbon in various fields and provides new ideas for the transport of active substances. Graphical Abstract