J Biomed Nanotechnol. 2014 Oct;10(10):2508-38. doi: 10.1166/jbn.2014.1940.
For biomedical applications, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs)-based theranostic agents have shown to be a promising alternative. Rational design of particulate systems should consider, beside the physicochemical properties of particle size and surface chemistry, shape features as aspect ratio (AR) and morphology. Recent advances of fabrication technologies for manufacturing different shaped MSNs and evaluation means of its in vitro and in vivo biological performance provide new aspects and wisdom in nanomedicine development. In this review, we discussed the recent progress in the preparation of different shaped MSNs and the evaluation of shape-mediated biological effects. Firstly, we provide an overview of preparation strategies for fabricating MSNs with different aspect ratios and different morphologies, including hollow/rattle MSNs, multishell MSNs, and mesoporous silica nanocomposites. We then highlight the aspect ratio- and morphology-mediated biological effects of MSNs respectively. For AR-mediated biological effects of MSNs, we put our focus in the particle ARs effect on cellular uptake, biocompatibility, and drug delivery. For morphology-mediated biological effects of MSNs, we emphasize on how particle shapes could affect tumor therapy. Finally, for application considerations, we conclude with our personal perspectives on the directions in which future studies in this field might be placed.
对于生物医学应用而言，基于介孔硅纳米粒子（MSNs）的治疗诊断一体化试剂已被证明是一种很有前途的替代品。颗粒系统的合理设计除了要考虑粒径和表面化学的物理化学性质外，还应考虑形状特征，如纵横比（AR）和形态。目前制造不同形状 MSNs 的制造技术的最新进展及其在体外和体内生物性能的评估手段为纳米医学的发展提供了新的视角和思路。在这篇综述中，我们讨论了不同形状 MSNs 的制备及评价其形状介导的生物学效应的最新进展。首先，我们概述了制备不同纵横比和不同形态 MSNs 的策略，包括中空/摇瓶 MSNs、多壳 MSNs 和介孔硅纳米复合材料。然后，我们分别强调了 MSNs 的纵横比和形态介导的生物学效应。对于 MSNs 的 AR 介导的生物学效应，我们关注的是颗粒 AR 对细胞摄取、生物相容性和药物传递的影响。对于 MSNs 的形态介导的生物学效应，我们强调了颗粒形状如何影响肿瘤治疗。最后，在应用方面，我们结合个人观点对该领域未来研究的方向进行了总结。
