Smart mesoporous silica nanoparticles for controlled-release drug delivery

Abstract Stimuli-responsive controlled-release nanocarriers are promising vehicles for delivery of bioactive molecules that can minimize side effects and maximize efficiency. The release of the drug occurs when the nanocarrier is triggered by an internal or external stimulus. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) can have drugs and bioactive cargos loaded into the high-capacity pores, and their release can be triggered by activation of a variety of stimulus-responsive molecular “gatekeepers” or “nanovalves.” In this mini-review, we discuss the basic concepts of MSN in targeted drug-release systems and cover different stimulus-responsive gatekeepers. Internal stimuli include redox, enzymes, and pH, while external stimuli include light, ultrasound, and magnetic fields, and temperature can either be internal or external.