Silica-based nanoparticles for biomedical applications

► SNP surface is the main factor of their importance for the biomedical applications. ► They are used for biological sample preparation as support of biomolecules. ► Porous silica particles are also of paramount importance as a carrier for genes and drugs delivery. ► Silica particles are good material to design complex systems for biomedical applications. In this short review we highlight novel uses of silica-based nanoparticles (NPs) in the biomedical sector. Silica NPs are widely used in nanotechnology because they are easy to prepare and inexpensive to produce. Their specific surface characteristics, porosity and capacity for functionalization make them good tools for biomolecule detection and separation, providing solid media for drug delivery systems and acting as contrast agent protectors. In addition, they are used as safety and biocompatible pharmaceutical additives. Here, we focus on novel techniques based on silica NPs for the most important biomedical applications.