Biodegradability of mesoporous silica nanoparticles

Biodegradability significantly impacts the bioapplication of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN). In recent years, immense efforts have been made to understand and tailor the biodegradability of MSN. In this mini review, we overview the recent reports on the biodegradation of MSN, with a focus on the correlation between biodegradation and physicochemical properties including specific surface area, morphology, pore size, particle diameter and condensation degree of silicon-oxygen network. In addition, strategies for improving the biodegradability of MSN such as metal ions and organic species doping are also introduced.