Influence of the Surface Functionalization on the Fate and Performance of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles.

Abstract

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles have been broadly applied as drug delivery systems 14 owing to their exquisite features, such as excellent textural properties or biocompatibility. However, 15 there are various biological barriers that prevent their proper translation into the clinic, including 16 (1) lack of selectivity toward tumor tissues, (2) lack of selectivity for tumoral cells and (3) endosomal 17 sequestration of the particles upon internalization. In addition, their open porous structure may 18 lead to premature drug release, consequently affecting healthy tissues and decreasing the efficacy 19 of the treatment. First, this review will provide a comprehensive and systematic overview of the 20 different approximations that have been implemented into mesoporous silica nanoparticles to 21 overcome each of such biological barriers. Afterward, the potential premature and non-specific drug 22 release from these mesoporous nanocarriers will be addressed by introducing the concept of stimuli23 responsive gatekeepers, which endow the particles with on-demand and localized drug delivery.