The capabilities in applying mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) for the construction of different types of nanosystems for simultaneous cancer therapy and diagnostics (theranostics) are widely known in the scientific literature. Their specific characteristics, such as high surface area (ca. 1000 m2/g), well-structured porosity, and versatile surface-functionalization possibilities allow devising a plethora of multifunctional nanostructures. In this context, our research team works on the synthesis of MSNs of different structures and their surface modification toward enabling active cancer-targeting. These MSNs are loaded with different cargo molecules which can serve different purposes, such as cancer treatment, imaging, or sensing cancer-specific environment and biomolecules. The process of cargo release can be also governed by employing externally applicable stimuli (e.g. light irradiation, magnetic field), or upon exposure to intratumoral conditions such as weakly acidic environment, the elevated concentration of glutathione, or in the presence of other cancer biomarkers. The control over this process allows the application of MSNs as unique facilitators in cancer therapy, imaging and sensing, with substantial benefits for enhancing the efficacy and precision of cancer treatment or for early cancer diagnosis.

Acknowledgments: The authors acknowledge financial support of the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia (PROMIS Grant No. 6060755) and the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant agreement No. 952259).