Controlled release using mesoporous materials containing gate-like scaffoldings

The use of gated mesoporous silica solids as suitable systems for control led-release protocols is reviewed. These materials are based on mesoporous silica supports that can be prepared with tailor-made pores of around 2 - 10 nm and that show a very large specific surface area (up to 1200 m(2)/g), thus having a large load capacity. The solids can be additionally functionalised in the external surface with gatelike systems that can be opened on command to allow cargo release. Light, redox reactions, pH, temperature, polarity and enzyme-driven protocols are shown. The possible application in drug delivery protocols is discussed.