Synthesis and Functionalization of Ordered Large‐Pore Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications

A dual surfactant synthetic approach was employed for the synthesis of large‐pore mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). The as‐synthesized mesoporous silica exhibited not only 2D hexagonal mesostructure with an average pore size of about 7 nm but also a spherical nanoparticulate morphology. A delayed co‐condensation synthesis method was further employed to create site‐specific core‐shell bifunctional MSNs. These core‐shell large‐pore MSNs are biocompatible and can be efficiently taken up by cells. They are therefore promising nanocarriers for cellular delivery purposes.