Assessment of in vivo systemic toxicity and biodistribution of iron-doped silica nanoshells

Many studies have evaluated the toxicity of various silica nanoparticle formulations. The size, shape, morphology, charge, and surface properties of a nanoparticle can dramatically affect its biodistribution and toxicology. In the present study, 500 nm hollow silica nanoshells showed no acute or chronic toxicity in mice after intravenous administration. In addition, the nanoshells were retained mostly by the liver and were undetectable after 10 weeks. Incorporation of iron altered the biodistribution of SiO2 nanoshells.111