Engineering Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Targeted and Controlled Delivery of Cyclic Peptides

ABSTRACT Commercial demand has driven the search for novel bioactive molecules that combine multifunctionality with stability under harsh conditions. Cyclotides, a family of cyclic peptides, exhibit remarkable thermal and enzymatic stability due to three disulfide bonds that form a characteristic cystine knot motif comprising six interlocked loops. These peptides display a wide range of biological activities, including antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and cytotoxic effects. However, challenges related to efficient delivery and precise target localization remain significant obstacles to their broader application. This review examines how mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) can be engineered to address these limitations. By integrating shared material–mechanistic perspectives across both biomedical and agricultural applications, the review proposes a unified conceptual framework for enhanced stability and controlled delivery, highlighting MSN–cyclotide systems as a promising platform. Furthermore, we outline a strategic research roadmap aimed at harmonizing structural design, functional performance, and safety considerations across these two domains. Finally, this review discusses future prospects and challenges in the development of silica‐based nanomaterials as promising delivery vehicles for cyclotides.