Silica-Based Nanovectors: From Mother Nature to Biomedical Applications

Abstract

See, stats, and : https : / / www . researchgate . net / publication / 299483308 Silica - Based : From Mother Applications Chapter DOI : 10 . 5772 / 63191 CITATIONS 0 READS 138 9 , including : Luca Italian 232 , 044 SEE Ilaria Italian 131 , 034 SEE Available : Monica Retrieved : 05 Abstract Diatomite is a natural porous silica material of sedimentary origin , formed by remains of diatom skeletons called " frustules . " The abundance in many areas of the world and the peculiar physico - chemical properties made diatomite an intriguing material for several applications ranging from food production to pharmaceutics . However , diatomite is a material still rarely used in biomedical applications . In this chapter , the properties of diatom frustules reduced to nanoparticles , with an average diameter less than 350 nm , as potential drug vectors are described . Their biocompatibility , cellular uptake , and capability to transport molecules inside cancer cells are discussed . Preliminary studies of in vivo toxicity are also presented .