Mesoporous silica micro/nanomotors: A new horizon in biomedical applications and precision medicine

Mesoporous silica (mSiO₂) micro/nanomotors (MNMs) are a groundbreaking innovation in nanotechnology and versatile tools in biomedical science. Combining active propulsion and advanced functionality, they navigate complex biological environments, overcome the limitations of traditional therapies, and expand the horizons of precision medicine. Central to their versatility is the mSiO₂ framework, which offers a high surface area, tunable porosity, and inherent biocompatibility. These properties enable efficient drug loading, controlled release, and functionalization for advanced therapeutic and diagnostic applications. MNMs are designed with diverse structures, including Janus, core-shell, yolk-shell, hollow, and biomimetic architectures, each meticulously tailored to meet the demands of specific biomedical applications. Utilizing active propulsion mechanisms—chemical, light-driven, magnetic, and hybrid—MNMs achieve precise targeting and enhanced efficacy in cancer therapy, cardiovascular treatments, and infection management. This review explores the synthesis methods, structural innovations, and biomedical applications of MNMs, emphasizing their transformative role in overcoming the limitations of passive systems. By leveraging the adaptability of mSiO₂, MNMs effectively address critical challenges such as fuel toxicity, hypoxia, dense extracellular matrices, and biofilm resistance. Furthermore, the review highlights future prospects, including the integration of multimodal therapies, optimization of biocompatibility, and expanding clinical applicability, establishing mSiO₂-based MNMs as key tools in precision medicine.

Other Information

Published in: Applied Materials Today
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
See article on publisher's website: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apmt.2025.102673