An overview on biomedical applications of versatile silica nanoparticles, synthesized via several chemical and biological routes: A review

Abstract

Silica has drawn the attention of many researchers from all over the world owing to its excellent biological, mechanical, and physiochemical properties. Different synthetic routes, reagents, characterization techniques, and applications of silica nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs) are discussed in this review article. A detailed discussion on sol-gel, ultrasonication, chemical precipitation, and hydrothermal route is presented. Biological synthesis of SiO₂ NPs from bamboo leaves, rice husk, and sugarcane bagasse is also focused. Different characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy are discussed in detail. A study on SiO₂ NPs conjugated with metallic oxides and polymers is also discussed. Being important materials with a wide variety and novel applications, these conjugates are used in agriculture, mechanical engineering, material science, electronics, and biomedical engineering. However, greater emphasis has been laid on biomedical aspects, including antibacterial applications and drug delivery along with its cytotoxic properties. The review article reflects that SiO₂ NPs are potential candidates for several biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility and appreciable biological activity.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Biocompatible
• biomedical applications
• cytotoxicity
• silica nanoparticles
• synthetic routes

Acknowledgments

The work was jointly supported by the Department of Applied Sciences, IIIT Allahabad, Prayagraj, and Department of Applied Mechanics, MNNIT Allahabad, Prayagraj. The authors are also thankful to all those who are directly or indirectly a part of this review article. However, the work has not been funded by any funding agency.