Synthesis and characterization of micro-sized polyisobutylene and evaluation of its toxicological effects on the development and homeostasis of zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Rampant industrialization has led to widespread reliance on hydrocarbon polymers for various commercial applications. While these synthetic polymers, commonly known as plastics, degrade in slowly in the environments, the toxic effects of their micro-sized particles remain underexplored. In this study, we synthesized polyisobutylene (PIB) microparticles in the lab and evaluated their toxicity and accumulation in a zebrafish model. Pristine and fluorescent PIB-microplastics (MPs), with particle sizes ranging from 2 to 10 µm, were synthesized using the solvent evaporation method. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the stability of the suspensions. Zebrafish larvae exposed to various concentrations of PIB-MPs exhibited numerous morphological and molecular changes, including delayed hatching, impaired swimming behavior, increased reactive oxygen species levels, altered mRNA levels of genes encoding antioxidant proteins, and reduced survival rates. Dissections revealed PIB-MP accumulation in the guts of larvae and adult fish within 7-21 days, causing damage to the intestinal mucosa. These findings provide insights into how contaminants like PIB can induce pathophysiological defects in aquatic fauna and pose potential health hazards to humans.

3D Bioprinting with Visible Light Cross-Linkable Mucin-Hyaluronic Acid Composite Bioink for Lung Tissue Engineering.

3D printing can revolutionize personalized medicine by allowing cost-effective, customized tissue-engineering constructs. However, the limited availability and diversity of biopolymeric hydrogels restrict the variety and applications of bioinks. In this study, we introduce a composite bioink for 3D bioprinting, combining a photo-cross-linkable derivative of Mucin (Mu) called Methacrylated Mucin (MuMA) and Hyaluronic acid (HA). The less explored Mucin is responsible for the hydrogel nature of mucus and holds the potential to be used as a bioink material because of its plethora of features. HA, a crucial extracellular matrix component, is mucoadhesive and enhances ink viscosity and printability. Photo-cross-linking with 405 nm light stabilizes the printed scaffolds without damaging cells. Rheological tests reveal shear-thinning behavior, aiding cell protection during printing and improved MuMA bioink viscosity by adding HA. The printed structures exhibited porous behavior conducive to nutrient transport and cell migration. After 4 weeks in phosphate-buffered saline, the scaffolds retain 70% of their mass, highlighting stability. Biocompatibility tests with lung epithelial cells (L-132) confirm cell attachment and growth, suggesting suitability for lung tissue engineering. It is envisioned that the versatility of bioink could lead to significant advancements in lung tissue engineering and various other biomedical applications.

Effect of PVP Molecular Weights on the Synthesis of Ultrasmall Cus Nanoflakes: Synthesis, Properties, and Potential Application for Phototheranostics.

Copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuS) hold tremendous potential for applications in photothermal therapy (PTT) and photoacoustic imaging (PAI). However, the conventional chemical coprecipitation method often leads to particle agglomeration issues. To overcome this challenge, we utilized polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilizing agent, resulting in the synthesis of small PVP-CuS nanoparticles named PC10, PCK30, and PC40. Our study aimed to investigate how different molecular weights of PVP influence the nanoparticles' crystalline characteristics and essential properties, especially their photoacoustic and photothermal responses. While prior research on PVP-assisted CuS nanoparticles has been conducted, our study delves deeper into this area, providing insights into optical properties. Remarkably, all synthesized nanoparticles exhibited a crystalline structure, were smaller than 10 nm, and featured an absorbance peak at 1020 nm, indicating their robust photoacoustic and photothermal capabilities. Among these nanoparticles, PC10 emerged as the standout performer, displaying superior photoacoustic properties. Our photothermal experiments demonstrated significant temperature increases in all cases, with PC10 achieving an impressive efficiency of 51%. Moreover, cytotoxicity assays revealed the nanoparticles' compatibility with cells, coupled with an enhanced incidence of apoptosis compared to necrosis. These findings underscore the promising potential of PVP-stabilized CuS nanoparticles for advanced cancer theranostics.

Biodegradable Nanocomposite of ZnS(Mn) Quantum Dots Immobilized Graphene Oxide for Bioimaging Applications.

Developing a biocompatible and biodegradable graphene-based fluorescent nanoprobe with the ability to visualize live cells could be interesting for intracellular imaging and monitoring the efficiency of chemotherapy. Herein, we report a biodegradable and biocompatible hybrid fluorescent graphene oxide (GO)-ZnS(Mn) composite synthesized via in situ growth of ZnS(Mn) quantum dots (QDs) on the surface of GO in the aqueous medium. The prepared 'GO-ZnS(Mn)' composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) along with selected area electron diffraction (SAED). Further, the fluorescence properties of the GO-ZnS(Mn) composite were studied using fluorescence emission spectroscopy. The composite material exhibited a strong and broad visible light fluorescence from 500 to 600 nm by excitation with 365 nm (UV) light. The cytotoxic experiments of folic acid (FA) conjugated GO-ZnS(Mn) using MTT [(3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide)] assay revealed that the composite had excellent biocompatibility even at higher concentrations up to 200 µg/mL in HeLa cell lines. Next, the bioimaging experiments carried out using confocal fluorescence laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) revealed that GO-ZnS(Mn) composite was taken up by the HeLa cells effectively within 12 h of incubation via receptor (folate) mediated endocytosis with strong fluorescence throughout the cell surface. Finally, the biodegradability of GO-ZnS(Mn) composite was studied by treating it with human myeloperoxidase enzyme (hMPO) isolated from the primary immune cells, neutrophils, which is important to understand the in vivo fate of GO-Zns(Mn). The HR-TEM and Raman analyses confirmed the biodegradation of GO-ZnS(Mn) within 15 h of hMPO treatment. Thus, the biodegradable GO-ZnS (Mn) composite could be helpful for chemotherapy and bioimaging applications.

Snail Mucus-Enhanced Adhesion of Human Chondrocytes on 3D Porous Agarose Scaffolds.

This study reports the preparation of a novel porous 3D scaffold from agarose-snail mucus (AGSMu) for cartilage tissue repair applications. AG is reported for its unique thermal and mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, making it suitable for biomedical applications. Still, it lacks the cell adhesion properties required for tissue engineering applications. SMu is a complex substance identified to contain glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and other bioactive molecules that promote wound healing and reduce cartilage deterioration and inflammation. Hence, porous 3D blend scaffolds containing AG and SMu were prepared by the freeze-drying method, characterized, and investigated for bioactive effects on human chondrocyte (C28/I2) cells. The scaffolds had a microporous structure with an average pore size of 245 µm. FTIR spectroscopy showed that SMu was successfully incorporated into the scaffolds. The SMu increased the mechanical strength of the composite scaffolds by more than 80% compared to the pristine AG scaffold. The scaffolds were found to be biocompatible with tunable degradation. The human chondrocyte cells attached and proliferated well on the 3D scaffolds in a few days, demonstrating a marked improvement in adhesion due to the presence of SMu. Enhanced cell adhesion and mechanical properties of 3D porous AG scaffolds could make them suitable for articular cartilage repair and regeneration.

Application of Shape Memory and Self-Healable Polymers/Composites in the Biomedical Field: A Review.

Shape memory-assisted self-healing polymers have drawn attention over the past few years owing to their interdisciplinary and wide range of applications. Self-healing and shape memory are two approaches used to improve the applicability of polymers in the biomedical field. Combining both these approaches in a polymer composite opens new possibilities for its use in biomedical applications, such as the "close then heal" concept, which uses the shape memory capabilities of polymers to bring injured sections together to promote autonomous healing. This review focuses on using shape memory-assisted self-healing approaches along with their respective affecting factors for biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, biomaterial-inks, and 4D printed scaffolds, soft actuators, wearable electronics, etc. In addition, quantification of self-healing and shape memory efficiency is also discussed. The challenges and prospects of these polymers for biomedical applications have been summarized.

Snail Mucus from Achatina fulica as a Biomaterial Exhibits Pro-Survival Effects on Human Chondrocytes.

This study reports the novel use of Achatina fulica (A. fulica) mucus as a potential therapeutic repair agent in osteoarthritis and cartilage tissue repair in vitro. Snail mucus was isolated, sterilized, and characterized using FTIR, XPS, rheology, and LC-MS/MS. The GAGs, sugar, phenol, and protein contents were estimated using standard assays. The LC-MS/MS identified 6-gingerol and some other small molecules. The effects of the sterilized mucus were studied on human chondrocytes using the C28/I2 cell as a model for the in vitro assays. The MTT assay indicates that mucus extracted from the pedal of A. fulica is biocompatible with the cells up to a concentration of 50 µg/mL. The mucus promoted cell migration and proliferation and completely closed the wound within 72 h, as indicated in the in vitro scratch assay. In addition, the snail mucus reduced apoptosis significantly (p < 0.05) in the treated cells by 74.6%. It preserved the cytoskeletal integrity of the C28/I2 cells, attributed mainly to GAGs and 6-gingerol content of the mucus. In conclusion, this present study suggests that GAGs and 6-gingerol conferred wound-healing and antiapoptotic properties on the mucus secretion from A. fulica and can be explored for therapeutic repair and cartilage tissue engineering.

Simulation of Dielectric Properties of Nanocomposites with Non-Uniform Filler Distribution.

Dielectric properties for nanocomposites with metallic fillers inside a polymer matrix were determined using CST STUDIO SUITE-Electromagnetic field simulation software followed by the free-space Nicolson-Ross-Weir procedure. The structure is randomly generated to simulate the intrinsic non-uniformity of real nanomaterials. Cubic insertions were equated to corresponding spherical particles in order to provide either the same volume index or the same exterior surface index. The energy concentration around the inserts and within the entire material was determined as useful information in practice in order to design materials tailored to avoid exceeding the field/temperature limit values. The paper successfully associated the dialectic measurements with the results from the computer simulations, which are mainly based on energetic effects in electromagnetic applications. The experimental results are comparable with the software simulation in terms of precision. The conclusions outline the practical applications of the method for both electromagnetic shielding and microwave domain/telecommunications applications.

Zein-Alginate-Phosphatidylcholine Nanocomplex Efficiently Delivers Lycopene and Lutein over Dietary-Derived Carotenoid Mixed Micelles in Caco-2 Cells.

This study evaluated the potency of zein-alginate-phosphatidylcholine nanoparticles (NPs) on bioaccessibility/intestinal uptake of encapsulated lycopene (LY) and lutein (LT) versus dietary absorption using simulated digestion and human intestinal Caco-2 cells. LY-zein-alginate-PC (LYZAP) and LT-zein-alginate-PC (LTZAP) NPs yield desired properties, which exhibit sustained release and are suitable for oral administration. Interestingly, co-treatment of LYZAP + LTZAP showed better release of carotenoids instead of individual treatment at intestinal pH. Bioaccessibility, cellular uptake, and basolateral secretion of LY and LT from NPs were significantly enhanced than micellar carotenoids (dietary mode of absorption). The increased absorption of carotenoids from NPs correlated with triglyceride levels. The intestinal cell uptake of carotenoids by nanoencapsulation may be due to endocytosis, paracellular, and SRB-1 protein-mediated transport. Overall, LYZAP and LTZAP NPs possess superior properties to control the release and cellular uptake of unique or distinct carotenoids. The inclusion of alginate and phosphatidylcholine in zein-based nanoencapsulation could be a promising strategy to improve carotenoid bioavailability.

Bioactive nutraceutical ligands and their efficiency to chelate elemental iron of varying dynamic oxidation states to mitigate associated clinical conditions.

The natural bioactive or nutraceuticals exhibit several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, metal chelation, antiviral, and antimicrobial activity. The inherent limitation of nutraceuticals or bioactive ligand(s) in terms of poor pharmacokinetic and other physicochemical properties affects their overall therapeutic efficiency. The excess of iron in the physiological compartments and its varying dynamic oxidation state [Fe(II) and Fe(III)] precipitates various clinical conditions such as non-transferrin bound iron (NTBI), labile iron pool (LIP), ferroptosis, cancer, etc. Though several natural bioactive ligands are proposed to chelate iron, the efficiency of bioactive ligands is limited due to poor bioavailability, denticity, and other related physicochemical properties. The present review provides insight into the relevance of studying the dynamic oxidation state of iron(II) and iron(III) in the physiological compartments and its clinical significance for selecting diagnostics and therapeutic regimes. We suggested a three-pronged approach, i.e., diagnosis, selection of therapeutic regime (natural bioactive), and integration of novel drug delivery systems (NDDS) or nanotechnology-based principles. This systematic approach improves the overall therapeutic efficiency of natural iron chelators to manage iron overload-related clinical conditions.

Feasibility of Producing Core-Shell Filaments through Fused Filament Fabrication.

Fused filament fabrication is a technology of additive manufacturing that uses molten thermoplastics for building parts. Due to the convenient shape of the raw material, a simple filament, the market offers a great variety of materials from simple to blends of compatible materials. However, finding a material with the desired properties can be difficult. Making it in-house or using a material manufacturer can be costly and time-consuming, especially when the optimum blend ratios are unknown or new design perspectives are tested. This paper presents an accessible method of producing core-shell filaments using material extrusion 3D printing. The printed filaments are characterised by a polycarbonate (PC) core and acryl butadiene styrene (ABS) shell with three material ratios. Their performance was investigated through printed samples. Additionally, the material mixing degree was studied by varying the extrusion temperature, nozzle feeding geometry, and layer thickness. The influence of all four factors was evaluated using a graphical representation of the main effects. The results showed that a core-shell filament can be processed using a 3D printer with a dual extrusion configuration and that the mechanical properties of the samples can be improved by varying the PC-ABS ratio. This research provides an accessible method for developing new hybrid filaments with a predesigned structure using a 3D printer.

Improving Fracture Toughness of Tetrafunctional Epoxy with Functionalized 2D Molybdenum Disulfide Nanosheets.

In this work, improved fracture toughness of tetra-functional epoxy polymer was obtained using two-dimensional (2H polytype) molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nano-platelets as a filler. Simultaneous in-situ exfoliation and functionalization of MoS2 were achieved in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) via sonication. The aim was to improve the dispersion of MoS2 nanoplatelets in epoxy and enhance the interfacial interaction between nanoplatelets and epoxy matrix. Epoxy nanocomposites with CTAB functionalized MoS2 (f-MoS2) nanoplatelets, ranging in content from 0.1 wt% up to 1 wt%, were fabricated. Modified MoS2 improved the fracture properties (81%) of tetrafunctional epoxy nanocomposites. The flexural strength and compressive strength improved by 64% and 47%, respectively, with 0.25 wt% loading of f-MoS2 nanoplatelets compared to neat epoxy. The addition of f-MoS2 nanoplatelets enhanced the thermomechanical properties of epoxy. This work demonstrated the potential of organically modified MoS2 nanoplatelets for improving the fracture and thermal behavior of tetrafunctional epoxy nanocomposites.

Methacrylated alkali lignin grafted P(Nipam-Co-AAc) copolymeric hydrogels: Tuning the mechanical and stimuli-responsive properties.

The current study reports the preparation of lignin grafted temperature and pH responsive hydrogels through copolymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide, acrylic acid and varying amount of lignin methacrylate (LMA = 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg) as crosslinker adopting radical polymerization technique. Functional group and structural characterizations were carried out to confirm hydrogels synthesis and their network structure. The variation in pore size on addition of lignin revealed the tuning of pores as well as swelling capacity of the hydrogels by suitable amount of LMA. All LMA grafted hydrogels showed temperature responsive behavior and pH dependent sensitivity in swelling, with reduced equilibrium swelling capacity values compared to sample without lignin. In alkali medium at room temperature, the maximum swelling capacity with 48% higher retention was noticed, while a significant reduction in swelling was observed at 40 °C in all media. The addition of lignin still preserved the tensile strength up to 100 kPa and compressive load bearing ability up to 30 kPa in freeze dried state with adequate interfacial stress transfer. An increase in lignin concentration showed enhanced storage modulus (~two-fold increase), adequate loss modulus values and improved cell viability, which paves the way for possible biomedical applications.

Chitosan-glucuronic acid conjugate coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles: A smart pH-responsive and receptor-targeted system for colorectal cancer therapy.

Glycosylated pH-sensitive mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) of capecitabine (CAP) were developed for targeting colorectal cancer. The MSNs possessed an average pore diameter of 8.12 ± 0.43 nm, pore volume of 0.73 ± 0.21 cm3/g, and particle size of 245.24 ± 5.75 nm. A high loading of 180.51 ± 5.23 mg/g attributed to the larger pore volume was observed. The surface of the drug-loaded MSNs were capped with chitosan-glucuronic acid (CHS-GCA) conjugate to combine two strategies viz. pH-sensitive, and lectin receptor mediated uptake. In vitro studies demonstrated a pH-sensitive and controlled release of CAP which was further enhanced in the presence of rat caecal content. Higher uptake of the (CAP-MSN)CHS-GCA was observed in HCT 116 cell lines. The glycosylated nanoparticles revealed reduction in the tumors, aberrant crypt foci, dysplasia and inflammation, and alleviation in the toxic features. This illustrated that the nanoparticles showed promising antitumor efficacy with reduced toxicity and may be used as a effective carrier against cancer.

Exploring the room for repurposed hydroxychloroquine to impede COVID-19: toxicities and multipronged combination approaches with pharmaceutical insights.

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 has fatally affected the whole world with millions of deaths. Amidst the dilemma of a breakthrough in vaccine development, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was looked upon as a prospective repurposed candidate. It has confronted numerous controversies in the past few months as a chemoprophylactic and treatment option for COVID-19. Recently, it has been withdrawn by the World Health Organization for its use in an ongoing pandemic. However, its benefit/risk ratio regarding its use in COVID-19 disease remains poorly justified. An extensive literature search was done using Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, www.cdc.gov, www.fda.gov, and who.int.Areas covered: Toxicity vexations of HCQ; pharmaceutical perspectives on new advances in drug delivery approaches; computational modeling (PBPK and PD modeling) overtures; multipronged combination approaches for enhanced synergism with antiviral and anti-inflammatory agents; immuno-boosting effects.Expert commentary: Harnessing the multipronged pharmaceutical perspectives will optimistically help the researchers, scientists, biotech, and pharmaceutical companies to bring new horizons in the safe and efficacious utilization of HCQ alone or in combination with remdesivir and immunomodulatory molecules like bovine lactoferrin in a fight against COVID-19. Combinational therapies with free forms or nanomedicine based targeted approaches can act synergistically to boost host immunity and stop SARS-CoV-2 replication and invasion to impede the infection.

Mechanical properties of aerospace epoxy composites reinforced with 2D nano-fillers: current status and road to industrialization.

High-performance epoxy composites find application in the aerospace industry. Although epoxy is a high-performance polymer, its fracture toughness is compromised due to its highly cross-linked nature. Nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene derivatives, and inorganic 2-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials are being explored to improve epoxy composites' mechanical properties. Graphene is one of the most popular 2D nano-reinforcing agents for epoxy composites. Following graphene discovery, the research community's attention was brought to various other few-atom thick 2D nanomaterials. Hence, apart from graphene, inorganic nanosheets such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), etc., are also being studied as modifiers for enhancing the mechanical performance of epoxy composites. Graphene, TMDs and hBN are known to possess a high aspect ratio, high specific surface area and inherently high mechanical strength and stiffness, contributing to a stronger and tougher composite. Despite that, the challenges associated with these nanomaterials, such as dispersion issues, lack of standardization, underlying health hazards, etc., have hampered their commercialization. It has been long past a decade since the discovery of graphene, yet there are concerns regarding the lab to industry scale-up, and health and environmental hazards associated with nanomaterials for the fabrication of aerospace composites. This review offers a comprehensive literature survey and a perspective into the possible ways of bridging the gaps between the laboratory research and industrialization of 2D nanosheet-filled epoxy composites.

Fabrication of chitosan nanoparticles with phosphatidylcholine for improved sustain release, basolateral secretion, and transport of lutein in Caco-2 cells.

Biopolymers-based nanoparticles delivery emerged alternatively to improve nutraceuticals and drug bioavailability. The intestinal physiology suggested a prerequisite of lipid moiety for carotenoid absorption. This study aimed to fabricate chitosan-based nanoparticles with phosphatidylcholine (PC) to enhance lutein bioavailability. Lutein encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles with PC (LCNPC) or without PC (LCN) were assessed for bioaccessibility, sustain release, cellular uptake/internalization, and basolateral secretion of lutein in Caco-2 cells. Standard lutein mixed micelles (LMM), and micelles derived through in vitro digestion of green leafy vegetables (GMM) treated as controls. The LCNPC showed reduced particle size, higher colloidal stability, homogeneous dispersion, and suitable for oral administration compared to LCN. The cellular uptake of lutein (20 h) in LCNPC was higher than LCN, LMM, and GMM, respectively. Interestingly, lutein uptake was maximum at 8 h in LMM and gradually decreased against sustain-release response in LCNPC and LCN, whereas considerably low lutein uptake from GMM at all time points. Further, LCNPC significantly increased basolateral secretion of triglyceride (TG) and positively correlated enhanced lutein uptake/internalization process than LCN and micelles. Also, LCNPC demonstrated the upregulation of endocytosis, paracellular, scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SRB-1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) mediated lutein transport mechanism. These results suggested that fabrication of biopolymer-based nanoparticles with PC could provide greater insight to improve lutein bioavailability at enterocyte levels, to avoid age-related macular degeneration and other chronic diseases.

Galactose Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles As Delivery Vehicle in the Treatment of Hepatitis C Infection.

DNA and RNA based antiviral strategies using nonviral vectors have shown better potential over the viral pathway due to the fewer chances of gene recombination and immunogenicity. In this work a mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) based carrier system has been used for targeted delivery of shDNA molecule against the conserved 5'-untranslated region (UTR) in the RNA of a hepatitis C virus to inhibit its replication. The MSNs coated with amine and galactose could specifically target liver cells. Significant reduction (about 94%) of viral RNA level was achieved in HCV-JFH1 infectious cell culture compared to the control RNA levels directed the successful delivery and action of the shDNA. This study showed that Gal-AMSN can be used as a synthetic delivery vector to deliver the shDNA effectively for the treatment of HCV infection.

Recent Developments in Layer-by-Layer Technique for Drug Delivery Applications.

Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of polyelectrolytes to multifunctional polyelectrolyte multilayer hollow capsules (PMCs) with a core-shell structure is now a well-established method. PMCs have been shown to have several potential applications including their application as drug delivery vehicles with controlled and targeted drug release. Along with polyelectrolytes, inorganic materials such as nanoparticles and ligands can be used to make the capsules respond to certain stimuli and also target them to specific sites. In this special issue devoted to biomaterials development in India, we focus on bringing some of the research done by our group in the past 15 years related to LbL methodology for drug delivery applications, especially using PMCs. Our contributions to stimuli-responsive LbL capsules and nanomaterial-based capsules will be highlighted. Also, the use of LbL methodology for probiotics will be presented. We believe that LbL methodology is a very versatile tool for engineering hollow capsules and surfaces, which can be used in many applications including drug delivery.

Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Review on Synthesis and Recent Advances.

Recent advancements in drug delivery technologies utilizing a variety of carriers have resulted in a path-breaking revolution in the approach towards diagnosis and therapy alike in the current times. Need for materials with high thermal, chemical and mechanical properties have led to the development of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). These ordered porous materials have garnered immense attention as drug carriers owing to their distinctive features over the others. They can be synthesized using a relatively simple process, thus making it cost effective. Moreover, by controlling the parameters during the synthesis; the morphology, pore size and volume and particle size can be transformed accordingly. Over the last few years, a rapid increase in research on MSNs as drug carriers for the treatment of various diseases has been observed indicating its potential benefits in drug delivery. Their widespread application for the loading of small molecules as well as macromolecules such as proteins, siRNA and so forth, has made it a versatile carrier. In the recent times, researchers have sorted to several modifications in the framework of MSNs to explore its potential in drug resistant chemotherapy, antimicrobial therapy. In this review, we have discussed the synthesis of these multitalented nanoparticles and the factors influencing the size and morphology of this wonder carrier. The second part of this review emphasizes on the applications and the advances made in the MSNs to broaden the spectrum of its use especially in the field of biomedicine. We have also touched upon the lacunae in the thorough understanding of its interaction with a biological system which poses a major hurdle in the passage of this carrier to the clinical level. In the final part of this review, we have discussed some of the major patents filed in the field of MSNs for therapeutic purpose.