Abstract
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have emerged as versatile nanocarriers for biomedical applications because of their unique physicochemical properties, including high surface area, large pore volume, excellent drug-loading capacity, controllable biodegradation, and facile surface functionalization. These characteristics have enabled the development of advanced drug delivery systems with enhanced therapeutic efficacy, targeted delivery, improved bioavailability, and reduced systemic toxicity. Recent advances in MSN synthesis, physicochemical properties, surface engineering, and functionalization strategies have significantly improved their biological performance and therapeutic potential. In particular, integrating polymers, lipids, and liposomes with MSN platforms has enhanced colloidal stability, circulation time, cellular uptake, and target specificity, thereby facilitating efficient, stimuli-responsive drug delivery. This review highlights MSN-based drug delivery systems in cancer therapy, where multifunctional nanocarriers enable site-specific delivery, controlled drug release, enhanced tumor accumulation, and reduced off-target effects. The review discusses the expanding roles of MSNs in antimicrobial therapy, wound healing, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, emphasizing their ability to promote localized therapeutic delivery, immunomodulation, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration. The review discusses the diagnostic and theragnostic capabilities of MSNs for disease imaging and monitoring. It also critically evaluates current challenges related to biocompatibility, biodegradation, toxicity, biological barriers, large-scale manufacturing, clinical translation, and regulatory considerations. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress, current limitations, and future opportunities for MSN-based platforms in targeted drug delivery and advanced biomedical applications, supporting their continued advancement toward clinical translation and precision medicine.