Emerging mesoporous silica nanoparticle-mediated controlled and targeted drug delivery system: Present status and future prospects

Abstract This study was aimed to discuss the recent advantages and future prospects of controlled and targeted drug delivery systems based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles. We provided valuable information including the laboratory studies that have been confirmed the benefits of these nanoparticles through delivery of antibiotics, antihypertensive, NSAIDs, as well as anticancer drugs. Remarkably, surface functionalization of these nanocarriers by increasing or decreasing their surface hydrophobicity allows us to control the drug surface affinity that influences the release rate of drugs. Although a number of studies reported the pharmaceutical potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles, further investigations are required to address the challenges including biodegradability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics as well as their safety profile through in vivo models along with clinical trials before the entrance of this technology to clinical therapies.