Theranostic applications of mesoporous silica nanoparticles and their organic/inorganic hybrids

J Mater Chem B. 2013 Jul 7;1(25):3128-3135. doi: 10.1039/c3tb20249f. Epub 2013 May 16.

Abstract

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), with their intrinsically large and easily functionalized surface areas and pore volumes, are particularly well-suited to efficient conveyance of a wide variety of therapeutic agents. When combined with other organic/inorganic nanomaterials, the resultant organic/inorganic-MSN hybrids demonstrate unique synergies and even greater versatility. In this paper, we describe the current status and future prospects of MSNs and organic/inorganic-MSN hybrids for combined therapeutic and diagnostic - theranostic - biomedical applications.