Synthesis of Monodisperse Silica Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery to Solid Tumors

Silica nanoparticles have been identified as ideal carriers for drug delivery due to their low toxicity and their high range of functionalization. Due to the systemic side effects of chemotherapy, appropriation of these therapeutics onto the surface of silica nanoparticles will lead to a safer means of treating cancer. While utilizing these nanoparticles for tumor treatment, it is important to account for their circulation and residence in the blood, accumulation in the tumor, off-target toxicity, therapeutic activity, and drug release from the nanoparticle to the tumor. Research has shown a correlation between particle size and all of these characteristics. There is potential for maximizing drug efficacy by controlling the size of the nanoparticle. Current research is focusing on adapting the Stöber method and optimizing reaction conditions to synthesize optimal sizes of silica nanoparticles in high concentrations. Through this research, advances will be made in solid tumor treatment by further elucidating the benefits and efficacy of delivering therapeutics to the site of the tumor via silica nanoparticles of controlled size.