Porous silicon-based drug delivery carriers in cancer management

Abstract

Recent advancements in cancer management have emphasized targeted therapies to improve treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects. Due to the unique properties such as high surface area, biocompatibility, and tunability, porous, silicon-based drug delivery carriers have gained attention in this field. This chapter provides an overview of targeted drug delivery in cancer treatment, particularly focusing on porous silicon (PSi) nanoparticles. With a nanosized porous structure, PSi nanoparticles offer high drug-loading capacity and controlled release, making them ideal candidates for delivering a wide range of therapeutic agents. Surface modification techniques enable active targeting of cancer cells, reducing off-target effects and improving the precision of treatment. PSi nanoparticles can be engineered to release drugs in response to specific stimuli in the tumor microenvironment, further enhancing therapeutic potential. An added advantage is their ability to combine drug delivery with diagnostic imaging facilitating real-time monitoring of treatment responses and enabling early diagnosis. © 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.