title: Synthesis and functionalization of a mesoporous silica nanoparticle based on the sol-gel process and applications in controlled release.
abstract: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are introduced as chemically and thermally stable nanomaterials with well-defined and controllable morphology and porosity. It is shown that these particles possess external and internal surfaces that can be selectively functionalized with multiple organic and inorganic groups. On the basis of these characteristics, the biocompatibility of silica, and their efficient uptake by mammalian cells, MSNs are proposed as the basis of nanodevices for the controlled release of drugs and genes into living cells.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and the United States Department of Energy (DOE) Ames Laboratory, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA.
authors.forename: Brian G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Trewyn
authors.forename: Igor I
authors.initials: II
authors.lastname: Slowing
authors.forename: Supratim
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Giri
authors.forename: Hung-Ting
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Victor S-Y
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Lin