Functional Mesoporous Silica Nanocomposites: Biomedical applications and Biosafety

Abstract

The rise and development of nanotechnology has permitted to create of a wide number of systems able to accomplish new and advantageous features to treat cancer. However in many cases, the lone application of those new nanotherapeutics has proven not to be enough to achieve acceptable therapeutic efficacies. Hence, to avoid these limitations, the scientific community has been embarked on the development of single formulations capable of combining functionalities. Among all possible components, silica –either solid or mesoporous–, has become of importance as connecting and coating material for those new-generation therapeutic nanodevices. In the present review there are visited the most recent examples of fully-inorganic silica-based functional composites, paying especial attention to those with potential biomedical applicability. Additionally, there will be given some highlights about their possible biosafety issues based on their chemical composition.