Silica NPs–Cytotoxicity Cross-Talk: Physicochemical Principles and Cell Biology Responses

Abstract Many advances have been made in the preparation, optimization, and applications of silica nanoparticles (NPs) in biomedical nanotechnology. Considering this, the broader human, environmental, and industrial contacts with these NPs are inevitable. Improved knowledge of the physicochemical properties of silica NPs and their interactions with biological systems at the cellular level is essential for the rational design of silica NPs. This can involve the deliberately enhanced or decreased cellular responses and toxicity. Therefore, controlling the risk of toxicity can better guide the design of silica NPs for drug delivery and bioimaging systems. Various reports have discussed the toxicology of silica NPs. However, the mechanisms underlying the cellular responses to these NPs remain unclear. Here, we discuss the physicochemical-biological interactions governing the cellular responses and toxicity of silica NPs. Graphical Abstract