Stimuli-responsive silica nanoparticles: Smart systems for controlled drug delivery

Because of the advances in nanotechnology, there has been a lot of interest in the use of nanomaterials for the delivery of medications in recent decades. Because of their special qualities and capacity to effectively ensnare cargo molecules, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have recently attracted attention as potential medication nanocarriers. Controlled-release, stimulus-responsive nanocarriers have great potential as a means of delivering bioactive chemicals with minimal adverse effects and maximum effectiveness. Stimulation from either the outside or the inside of the nanocarrier causes the medication to be released. Activation of a variety of stimulus-responsive molecular “gatekeepers” or “nanovalves” may cause the release of pharmaceuticals and bioactive cargos put into the high-capacity pores of MSNs. This chapter outlines the most recent developments in the use of MSNs for medication delivery. We pay special attention to the stimuli-responsive regulated release mechanisms that may react to changes in the intracellular environment, including glucose, H2O2, pH, ATP, and enzymes. In addition, a summary is provided of medication delivery caused by external stimuli such as temperature, light, magnetic fields, ultrasound, and electricity. These cutting-edge technologies show the difficulties of the present while pointing to a promising future for accurate diagnosis and treatment. However, to increase MSNs’ potential for clinical applications, a few problems need to be resolved. Before being evaluated in vivo, all materials must be accurately defined. To show MSN's potential for clinical translation, preclinical in vivo investigations must also be standardized.