Composite smart mesoporous silica nanoparticles as promising therapeutic and diagnostic candidates: Recent trends and applications

Theranostics is an emerging field which involves application of a single formulation for both diagnosis as well as therapeutics. The present manuscript describes various applications of hybrid mesoporous silica nanoparticles in therapeutics, diagnostics and in theranostics. In spite of advancement in medicine, early diagnosis and complete treatment of various diseases like cancers, HIV and diabetes still remains a daunting task. The answer to the treatment of these deadly diseases lies in the vast research done on smart functionally modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles. The promising results given by MSNs in various in vitro and in vivo studies, accounts for the overwhelming attention they are receiving in the field of drug delivery and diagnostics. Their effect on immune system has also been outlined. Applications are also being reported in the field of gene delivery. Due to wide applications, these multifunctional Nano carriers are befitted for the job of drug delivery and cell tracking. Their role as contrast agents in the field of diagnostics is also described. The manuscript focusses on construction strategies, applications, challenges and opportunities associated with this emerging Nano drug delivery technology. Though Mesoporous silica nanoparticles have already entered pre-clinical development stage, their testing in clinical trials on a large scale needs to be accomplished to establish their efficacy and safety in humans. The ultimate goal of these astute composite mesoporous carriers is to utilize diagnostic information for controlling their therapeutic function. Smart multifunctional MSNs have a great potential ahead and can be the answer to cure of various deadly diseases.