Recent trends in mesoporous silica nanoparticles of rode-like morphology for cancer theranostics: A review

The shape has become a determining factor that can tremendously affect drug delivery efficiency. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), and specifically rod-shaped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (RMSNs), have shown advancements in the targeted delivery of biological agents relative to spherical MSNs. These interesting multifunctional nanostructures have been broadly utilized for biological imaging, cancer treatment, and drug/gene delivery. Desirable biocompatibility, low density and toxicity, enhanced surface areas, and superior mechanical and thermal stability are all factors that make RMSNs a perfect nanostructure. The design of RMSNs with many compartments has progressed rapidly during the last decade. Different MSNs-based drug delivery approaches have recently emerged to deliver drugs into the target tissues via transcellular transport, treating various diseases, particularly prostate, lung, bladder, and other cancer types. These tailored nanoplatforms were mainly capped with a pH-sensitive gatekeeper and loaded with anticancer agents (i.e., doxorubicin) to reduce the toxicity of the entrapped drug. Moreover, it has been established that ultra-small nanoparticles within RMSNs can be used for diagnostic imaging of cancer using 3-D tomography. Herein, we discuss bioimaging, chemotherapy, phototherapy, targeted drug/gene delivery, and challenges of utilizing RMSNs as a promising strategy for cancer theranostics.(c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.