Silica-Based Nanocarriers for Controlled Drug Delivery: A Critical Review of Design Strategies and Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Silica-based nanocarriers have garnered significant attention in biomedical research as promising platforms for controlled drug delivery, imaging, and theranostics. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the design strategies, biomedical applications, recent advances, and future perspectives of silica-based nanocarriers. Fundamentals of silica nanoparticles, including their structure, synthesis methods, surface modification techniques, and characterization methods, are discussed in detail. Design strategies for controlled drug delivery, such as encapsulation methods, triggered release mechanisms, and targeting strategies, are elucidated, highlighting their potential for enhancing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing off-target effects. Biomedical applications of silica-based nanocarriers, including cancer therapy, imaging, treatment of infectious diseases, and gene delivery, are explored, showcasing their versatility and clinical relevance. Recent advances in the field, including emerging trends in nanocarrier research and innovative strategies for multifunctional and stimuli-responsive systems, are presented. Challenges and limitations, such as biocompatibility, scalability, and clinical translation, are discussed, underscoring the need for continued research and innovation. Future directions for research and development, including personalized medicine approaches and clinical translation strategies, are proposed, emphasizing the transformative potential of silica-based nanocarriers in biomedicine. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the current state-of-the-art research and identifies opportunities for advancing the field of controlled drug delivery using silica-based nanocarriers.