Compared to other technologies currently in use (polymeric materials, liposomes, nanosomes), MSNs present an outer and an inner (pores walls) surface with high reactivity which can be functionalized using different molecules. The mechanical properties of mesoporous silica particles are always appropriated to be easily modified: for example, stimuli-responsive molecules could be placed on the pores edge, allowing the pores to open or close under opportune stimulation; moreover, pores edge could harbour molecular motors able to move particles in a fluid as a result of irradiation;
Mesoporous silica micro-nanoparticles seem to be ideal system for drug delivery. They are easily synthesized, high versatile, biocompatible and soluble in biological fluid, and not yet present on the market.
- MSNs may increase lowly soluble drugs solubility
- they may selectively target cells through the receptor-specific ligand placed on the external surface, and release drugs, or other biologically active molecules, directly into the cells
- they may prevent drug degradation occurring in organic fluids