Surface-functionalised porous silicon nanoparticles for targeted treatment of osteosarcoma

In this thesis, bone-targeted porous silicon nanoparticles (pSiNPs) were utilized to deliver a chemotherapeutic agent to treat osteosarcoma. To prolong the circulation time and impart antifouling properties, pSiNPs were coated with two types of hydrophilic polymers such as polyhydroxypropyl acrylamide and polyoxazoline. For the bone- targeting action, the surface of pSiNPs was decorated with alendronate (ALN). Furthermore, insulin-like growth factor-2 receptor (IGF2R) antibody was conjugated in addition to ALN on the pSiNPs surface offering dual-targeted NPs for both bone and tumour cells targeting action. Overall, these developed bone-targeted pSiNPs platform hold significant promise for targeted osteosarcoma treatment.