Table 2.

Advantages and disadvantages of different types of inorganic nanoparticles for drug delivery

Delivery system	Examples	Advantages	Disadvantages
Metal NPs	Gold NPs Silver NPs	Unique optical properties and photothermal conversion effects Photothermal therapy Versatility of shape design	High cost Poor stability Easy aggregation Potential toxicity
Iron-based NPs	Iron-based nanocrystals (iron oxide NPs, iron-based alloys) Iron-based nanocomposites(amorphous iron NPs, MOFs)	Superparamagnetism and magnetocaloric conversion effects Noninvasive imaging Magnetothermal therapy Synergistic therapy in conjunction with ferroptosis	Poor stability Potential toxicity The need for surface modification
Bimetallic NPs	Au–Ag bimetallic NPs Au–Pt bimetallic NPs Fe–Pt bimetallic NPs Pt–Pd bimetallic NPs	Integration of multiple characteristics and functions Larger specific surface area and more active sites	Complex preparation process Metal interactions and interface effects
CBNs	Graphene and its oxide Graphdiyne Fullerene and its derivatives CNTs Carbon quantum dots	Low immunotoxicity High load capacity and adsorption capacity Adjustable optical properties	Potential biotoxicity Poor water solubility Low biodegradability
Selenium NPs		Excellent antioxidant capacity Antitumor effect	Complex preparation process Poor stability Potential toxicity
Silica NPs		Adjustable pore size Easy modification and functionalization Good biocompatibility	Complex preparation process Potential toxicity
QDs		Good Optical and electronic properties	Complex preparation process Some quantum dots contain toxic heavy metals