Talented Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

The structure and functionality of mesoporous silica nanoparticles can be tuned by means of numerous and diverse synthetic strategies. Focusing on experimental methods, we describe how pore size and pore topology of the mesopore system can be modified through templating and pore-swelling agents, as well as different synthesis conditions. Moreover, we show how the mesoporous nanoparticles can be functionalized through co-condensation methods with silane coupling agents, with specific emphasis on the spatially selective anchoring of different molecular functionalities within the nanoparticles. We discuss methods for changing the composition of the pore walls of the mesoporous particles, for example by including redox-sensitive sulfide bonds or by creating autofluorescent curcumin-containing mesoporous organosilica. The efficiency of targeted drug delivery applications strongly depends on morphological parameters such as size and shape of the mesoporous nanoparticles. It is demonstrated how the particle size of the mesoporous nanoparticles can be modified over a wide range from about 30 nm to several hundred nanometers. Developing this context further, we consider several examples of triggered molecular mechanisms intended for the controlled intracellular release of bioactive substances from the pore system of mesoporous nanoparticles.