ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the functionalization and hybridization of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based cancer theranostics. Cancer has become one of the most serious diseases all over the world. The rational design of the mesoporous silica-based hybrid materials can endow them with contrast-enhanced capability for concurrent ultrasound imaging and MRI. In addition to endowing MSNs with MRI performance, their well-defined mesoporous structure and abundant surface chemistry can be further used for integrating more functionalities. Several strategies have been developed to construct MSNs-based composite nanosystems for MR imaging, typically based on sol-gel chemistry. The outer surface of MSNs provides the anchoring points for superparamagnetic nanoparticles. The construction of multifunctional theranostic nanosystems is of high importance for efficient cancer treatment. Mesoporous silica-based nanoparticles provide promising platforms for the integration of MRI module to generate composite nanosystems for efficient MR imaging and drug delivery.
