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. 2021 Feb 24;13(3):296. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13030296

Table 1.

Main properties and structures of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs).

Inorganic NPs Properties Structure Reference
Gold NPs High surface to volume ratio, easy functionalization with antibodies, suitable for passive and active targeting, near infrared absorption, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) characteristics graphic file with name pharmaceutics-13-00296-i001.jpg [34]
Magnetic NPs Selective destruction of cancer cells due to heat release, superparamagnetism, and high field irreversibility graphic file with name pharmaceutics-13-00296-i002.jpg [35]
Carbon-based NPs High strength, electron affinity, water solubility, and biocompatibility graphic file with name pharmaceutics-13-00296-i003.jpg [36,37]
Quantum dots Broad excitation and narrow emission spectra, with high quantum yields and photostability graphic file with name pharmaceutics-13-00296-i004.jpg [38]
Silica NPs High biocompatibility and stability, with easy surface functionalization graphic file with name pharmaceutics-13-00296-i005.jpg [28]
Upconversion NPs Used for the treatment of deep-seated tumors and exhibit lower phototoxicity graphic file with name pharmaceutics-13-00296-i006.jpg [28,39]
Ceramic NPs Controlled release of drugs, easy incorporation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, with high loading capacity graphic file with name pharmaceutics-13-00296-i007.jpg [40]