Page 84 - SDIR5 Abstract book 21 12 2021.

POSTER PRESENTATIONS

P44

Potential of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Applications in Targeted Treatment of
Cancer

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Minja Mladenović , Mirjana Mundžić , Aleksandra Pavlović , Nikola Knežević *
1 BioSense Institute, University of Novi Sad, Dr Zorana Djindjica 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
*corresponding author

Background: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) are being vastly demonstrated in the literature as
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efficient nanocarriers for cancer therapeutics. Their high surface area (ca. 1000 m /g), well-structured
porosity, versatile possibilities for obtaining nanocarriers of different morphologies, pore diameters and
surface characteristics, allow construction of different nanosystems for efficient cancer targeting. Methods:
In this study, the potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles for applications in targeted treatment of
cancer is presented. Results: Our team focuses on construction and surface functionalization of MSN with
different moieties for active cancer-targeting. The drug release process can be also controlled through
different externally applicable stimuli (eg. light irradiation, magnetic field), or upon exposure to
intratumoral conditions such as weakly acidic environment, the elevated concentration of glutathione or
other cancer biomarkers. In addition, MSN can be decorated with specific moieties to enable imaging of
cancer (eg. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)), which would enable simultaneous cancer therapy and
diagnostics (theranostics). Conclusions: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles have substantial potentials for
enhancing the efficacy and precision of cancer treatment.
Keywords: mesoporous silica nanoparticles, nanocarriers, targeted anti-cancer drug delivery.

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