Advances in the Utilization of Diatom Frustules for the Development of Drug Delivery Systems
The pharmaceutical industry faces the critical challenge of delivering therapeutic drugs precisely to diseased tissue while minimizing adverse effects on healthy tissue.Achieving this goal requires the development of advanced drug delivery systems capable of efficient drug loading and transport.Diatom frustules,the silica shells of diatoms,have emerged as promising candidates for such systems due to their unique structural and functional properties.These include multi-level micro-nano porosity,a finely detailed natural microstructure,and modifiable surface chemistry.Additionally,diatom frustules offer excellent thermal stability,biocompatibility,accessibility,and environmental friendliness.This article provides a comprehensive review of the structural characteristics,physicochemical properties,and biological safety of diatom frustules in drug delivery applications.It compares these properties with those of other silicon-based nano/micro drug carriers,reviews recent advances in the construction of drug delivery systems utilizing various functionalization strategies applied to diatom frustules,and discusses the current challenges and future directions in the field.
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