Advances in Nanoparticle-Driven Drug Delivery for Targeted Cancer Therapy

Herein, the advantages of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) over various different types of vectors of drug delivery will be discussed, focusing on MSNs in targeted cancer therapy. Different methods of synthesis such as solvothermal and evaporative-induced self- assembly (EISA) are covered for their suitability to make MSNs with required properties. The solvothermal method allows a more homogeneous preparation of MSNs, whereas particle sizes are generally around 50 nm in diameter, making MSNs ideal candidates for drug delivery applications due to their significant surface area and inherent stability. This EISA process is particularly aimed at improving loading efficiency of therapeutic agents, including miRNA and anticancer drugs, via surface functionalization with polyethyleneimine (PEI) and hyaluronic acid (HA). These changes allow for the preferential targeting of cancer cells, thereby increasing treatment efficacy and minimizing side effects. Also presented are novel enabling methods for controlled drug release, such as catalytic surface functionalization of nanoparticles with coumarin moieties. This alteration facilitates pore accessibility in a light-gated manner, thereby improving the resistance against the premature release of the drug and limiting off-target effects. Moreover, incorporation of biodegradable polymers, such as poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), allows a more prolonged release of the drug, in addition to compatibility with in vivo conditions. All in all, this research reflects the flexibility and capacity of the MSNs for selective tumor therapy. Future research will need to take the necessary steps in optimizing synthesis and stimuli-responsive systems to ultimately improve therapeutics and clinical relevant (grams).