Incredible pace of research on mesoporous silica nanoparticles

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles and related research has noticed a huge growth in the last few years. Some interesting statistics about reports on mesoporous silica are presented in this highlight. After their arrival on the world stage of research these materials have captured several fields of applications including catalyst supports, drug delivery, water purification and their use in bio-materials. Hydrothermal stability, porous structure stability against hydrolysis and suitable organic or bio-functionalization of them for improved biocompatibility are the main issues to be addressed in the near future. Some recent achievements in the synthesis and surface modification of these materials are discussed briefly.