Engineering silica nanoparticles for precision nanomedicine: synthesis & functionalization – a review

Abstract

Silica nanoparticles are extensively utilized in the biomedical field due to their large surface area, biocompatibility, chemical stability, and tunable surface properties. Their surface can be conveniently modified to support a wide array of applications such as targeted drug delivery, biosensing, and cellular imaging. The silica surface offers abundant reactive sites, enabling straightforward functionalization with a variety of chemical groups to impart specific properties or enhance performance for desired applications. This review presents a detailed account of different synthesis approaches for silica nanoparticles along with methods for introducing various functional groups onto their surfaces. Special emphasis is placed on functionalization techniques tailored for applications in drug delivery, cancer treatment, bioimaging, and biosensing. Furthermore, the review provides a critical evaluation of nanosilica toxicity to ensure their safe deployment in nanomedicine. By critically evaluating current progress and limitations, this review aims to support the development of next-generation silica-based nanocarriers for efficient and safe drug delivery systems.