Aptamer-based nanoparticles for cancer targeting

Background: The use of mesoporous silica for cancer targeting is increasing rapidly. The association between rigid model of nanoparticles such as mesoporous silica and biological compounds with affinity for oncological diseases is a very promising drug targeting system nowadays. Methods: In this study, we used the mesoporous silica (SBA-15) associated with aptamer (functionalized for the tumor marker MUC-1). Results: The results obtained in the characterization were quite interesting and demonstrated that the silica produced were very uniform and with a size range of 50-100 nm. Thus, the results of cytotoxicity demonstrated that there is no cytotoxicity related to the nanoparticle. Conclusion: We conclude that although further studies are required, the nanoparticle mesoporous silica model loaded with aptamer is very functional and its use can be widespread for other application especially in nuclear medicine.