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As a consequence of recent progression in biomedicine and nanotechnology, nanomedicine has emerged rapidly as a new discipline with extensive application of nanomaterials in biology, medicine, and pharmacology. Among the various nanomaterials, silica nanoparticles (SNPs) are particularly promising in nanomedicine applications due to their large specific surface area, adjustable pore size, facile surface modification, and excellent biocompatibility. This paper reviews the synthesis of SNPs and their recent usage in drug delivery, biomedical imaging, photodynamic and photothermal therapy, and other applications. In addition, the possible adverse effects of SNPs in nanomedicine applications are reviewed from reported in vitro and in vivo studies. Finally, the potential opportunities and challenges for the future use of SNPs are discussed. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) as one of the most productive nano‐powder, has been extensively applied in various fields. There has been increasing concern about the adverse effects of SiNPs on the health of ecological organisms and human. The potential cardiovascular toxicity of SiNPs and involved mechanisms remain elusive. Hence, in this study, we investigated the cardiovascular toxicity of SiNPs (60 nm) and explored the underlying mechanisms using H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Results showed that SiNPs induced oxidative stress and activated the Nrf2/HO‐1 antioxidant pathway. Autophagy was also activated by SiNPs. Interestingly, N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC）attenuated autophagy after inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS). Meanwhile, down‐regulation of Nrf2 enhanced autophagy. In summary, these data indicated that SiNPs induce autophagy in H9c2 cardiomyocytes through oxidative stress, and the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway has a negative regulatory effect on autophagy. This study provides new evidence for the cardiovascular toxicity of SiNPs and provides a reference for the safe use of nanomaterials in the future.

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