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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2014 Feb 28.
Published in final edited form as: Chin Sci Bull. 2012 Aug 18;57(31):3961–3971. doi: 10.1007/s11434-012-5387-5

Figure 3. Schematic and SEM micrographs describing the process and shape of multistage silicon nanocarriers.

Figure 3

A. MSN is initially loaded with second-stage NP into the pores of the silicon nanocarriers. Upon systemic administration, the rational design of MSN allows them to travel within the blood stream, avoid MPS sequestration, and preferentially drift towards the target’s endothelium and firmly adhere. Once docked, MSN can release their cargo (i.e., second stage NP) that will infiltrate into the target’s microenvironment where they can specifically target diseased cells and fulfill their final objective. B. Overall view of a view MSN illustrating the uniform size and shape within each fabrication batch. C. Magnified image of the nano-sized pores of MSN, which can serve to accommodate a variety of NP. Reproduced with permission from [51].