Controlled drug delivery systems for cancer based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles

Abstract

The implementation of nanotechnology in medicine has opened new research horizons particularly in the field of therapeutic delivery. Mesoporous silica particles have emerged as biocompatible drug delivery systems with an enormous potential in the treatment of cancer among many other pathologies. In this review, we focus on the unique properties of these particles as chemotherapy delivery carriers. Here, we summarize the general characteristics of these nanomaterials - including their physicochemical properties and customizable surfaces - different stimuli that can be used to trigger targeted drug release, biocompatibility and finally, the drawbacks of these types of nanomaterials, highlighting some of the most important features of mesoporous silica nanoparticles in drug delivery.

Keywords: biocompatibility; biodegradability; drug release; nanocarrier; targeted drug delivery; tumor.

Figure 1

Schematic representation of different delivery systems. From left to right; liposomes, micelles, carbon nanotubes, dendrimer and gold (yellow) and iron (brown) nanoparticles.

Figure 2

Image representing the blood transport mechanism of nanomaterials or molecules from normal tissue (left) and the enhanced permeability and retention effect in a tumor.

Figure 3

Schematic description of active targeting possibilities on mesoporous silica particles (left). Dual targeting example (right).

Figure 4

Examples of different gatekeepers that can be used to maintain the “zero release” of the drug inside mesoporous silica particles and to trigger on demand the release.

Figure 5

Scheme of the layer by layer technique in mesoporous silica particles.

Figure 6

Diagram of the proton sponge effect: particles coated with polyethyleneimine (PEI) are captured in the endolysosomal route. Lysosomal membranes tear apart, releasing the particles in the cytosol. Abbreviation: PEI-MSN, mesoporous silica particles coated with PEI.

Figure 7

Diagram of how mesoporous SiO₂ particles with a multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) coating, scape the endolysosomal route. When proteins of the biocorona are degraded, apolar MWCNTs interact with the membrane and help particles escape these vesicles.