Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Due to the superior physical properties of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), MSNs can be applied widely in biomedicine, but insufficient information about its biocompatibility is unknown.
OBJECTIVE: To review the research progress in MSNs biocompatibility.
METHODS: Electronic databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Wanfang, CNKI, Weipu and Chinese Biomedical Medicine were searched, and papers concerning the cytotoxicity or toxicity of MSNs in vivo were included.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: MSNs could be internalized by cells through endocytosis, and the root cause for the cytotoxicity may be induced by the production of reactive oxygen species. The cytotoxicity of MSNs was associated with the concentration of MSNs, particles size, residual surfactant removal methods and cell types. In vivo, MSNs was easily trapped in liver and spleen and mainly excreted through urine and stool. MSNs showed good biocompatibility in local site in vivo, but large dose intra-peritoneal or intra-venous injection can result in serious systematic response. MSNs exhibit tolerable toxicity and good biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo, but its security needs further study.