Biodegradable Inorganic Nanoparticles for Cancer Theranostics: Insights into the Degradation Behavior

Inorganic nanoparticles, as a versatile nanoplatform, have been broadly applied in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers due to their inherent superior physicochemical properties (including magnetic, thermal, optical, and catalytic performance) and excellent functions (e.g. imaging, targeted delivery, and controlled release of drugs) through surface functional modification or ingredient dopant. However, in practical biological applications, inorganic nanomaterials are relatively difficult to degrade and excrete, which induces a long residence time in living organisms and thus may cause adverse effects, such as inflammation and tissue cysts. Therefore, the development of biodegradable inorganic nanomaterials is of great significance for their biomedical application. This review will focus on the recent advances of degradable inorganic nanoparticles for cancer theranostics with highlighting the degradation mechanism, aiming to offer an in-depth understanding of degradation behavior and related biomedical a...