Figure 5.

Multifunctionalities of MSNs. MSNs have multiple uses in the treatment of bacterial infections. On the top surface, agents that target bacteria and/or biofilm can be grafted. Adsorbed or grafted antimicrobial medications and/or antibiofilm substances are both possible for MSNs. To stop cargo leakage, stimuli-responsive gatekeepers can be included into blocking nanocaps. Pore uncapping and cargo release are triggered by exposure to internal (bacteria, pH, redox potential) or external (heat, light, alternating magnetic fields (AMF)) stimuli. MSNs can have antimicrobial metal NPs (M) and ions (Mn+) implanted within the mesoporous structure or coated externally. To add “stealth” qualities, biocompatible hydrophilic polymers can be grafted to the surface. To alter surface charge, different organic groups (R) can be externally functionalized. It is also possible to integrate fluorescent compounds and magnetic NPs [192].