Porous silicon nanocarriers for the management of neurodegenerative disorders

Abstract

Porous silicon (PSi) nanocarriers are gaining a lot of attention in nanomedicine for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Aside from their complicated pathophysiology, NDs, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, present unique challenges due to the difficulty for therapeutic agents to cross the blood–brain barrier. Since PSi nanocarriers have tunable porosity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, they enable the effective loading and controlled release of a variety of therapeutic agents. Due to its porous structure and large surface area, peptides, nucleic acids, and small molecules are encapsulated in PSi, improving the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of the drugs. As recent findings show, it is now possible to make pSi nanoparticles to deliver neuroprotective agents directly to targeted neuronal cells, improving treatment outcomes. Delivery of therapeutics to specific brain regions can be enabled by functionalizing PSi with specific ligands or antibodies, improving its targeting capabilities. In addition, since conventional treatments often require high dosages and frequent administration, the ability of PSi nanocarriers to support sustained drug release can significantly reduce side effects. With PSi's controlled release profile, therapeutic drug levels can be maintained in the bloodstream for extended periods, improving patient compliance and overall treatment effectiveness. Pharmaceutical administration is not the only use for PSi nanocarriers; they have also shown promise in diagnostic applications, allowing simultaneous imaging and monitoring of treatment effects. Due to its dual purpose, PSi positions itself as a flexible platform for theranostic applications in of neurological diseases. Despite encouraging developments, there are still difficulties in the clinical implementation of PSi-based therapies. Research is presently being carried out on their synthesis and surface modification to improve the stability and mitigate the potential toxicity of pSi nanoparticles. To enable their integration into clinical practice, issues related to large-scale manufacturing and regulatory approval processes must also be resolved. © 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.