Table 3.
Formulations | Function |
---|---|
Silica core | High dielectric constant enhances light absorption168, Therapeutic reservoir for drug delivery158,169,170, Increase ultrasound contrast129 |
Silica shell | Facilitates functionalization of NPs surface168,171, Amplifies photoacoustic signal172, Therapeutic reservoir for drug delivery173, Enhances colloidal and chemical stability of the core174, Separates core from outside layer175, Decreases cytotoxicity of core160 |
Silica matrix | Prevents photobleaching of fluorophores144, Decreases cytotoxicity113, 176, 177 |