Mesoporous nanoparticles are special examples of silica nanoparticles. They are well known for their variety of applications in various fields including biomedicine. This has been attributed to their size, tenability and easily modifiable capabilities because of the presence of functional groups, and their biocompatibility. In this review, we specifically focus on different modes of surface modifications using amino propyl and organic chains which facilitate maximum drug loading and sustained release. This review provides complete information about the importance of surface modifications and their biological consequences that will be helpful to understand the use of MCM-41 and SBA 15 as suitable drug delivery systems.

A rutin–iron complex was prepared at room temperature and characterized using elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy to elucidate its structure. The DNA binding properties of rutin and the rutin–iron complex have been investigated using electronic absorption spectroscopy and agarose gel electrophoresis. The gradual reduction in the absorption peak observed for both rutin and the rutin–iron complex with increasing concentration of DNA indicates an intercalative mode of interaction. The binding constant (K_b) for the rutin–iron complex was three fold greater than that for rutin. Rutin exhibits a tendency to degrade the plasmid DNA unlike the rutin–iron complex because of its ability to introduce torsional stress in the DNA double helix. The additional electrostatic interaction between the cationic rutin–iron complex and the anionic DNA does not contribute to any torsional strain and hence no DNA shearing was observed. Molecular docking studies also confirmed the intercalative mode of interaction for both the compounds. These results indicate the potential of the rutin–iron complex as an anti-cancer agent.