Nanosilica: Recent Progress in Synthesis, Functionalization, Biocompatibility, and Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Silica nanoparticles (Si-NPs) are widely explored in biomedical applications due to their high surface area, excellent biocompatibility, and tunable pore size. The silica surface can be readily functionalized for wide range of applications such as cellular imaging, biosensing, and targeted drug delivery. This comprehensive review discusses different synthesis methodologies of Si-NPs and their surface functionalization with various functional groups. Nanosilica functionalization methods are discussed in detail, emphasizing their suitability for targeted drug delivery, cancer therapy, bioimaging, and biosensing. The toxicity assessment of nanosilica is also critically reviewed to get a clear focus before employing them for nanomedicine.