Activator-free luminescent nanocontainers for theranostics of cancerous growths

Single-stage synthesis has been used to obtain submicrometer monodisperse spherical mesoporous silica particles exhibiting bright wide-band luminescence in the visible spectral range. The particles have a specific surface area of 550 m$^2$/g, pore volume of 0.36 cm$^3$/g, and average pore diameter of 0.3 nm. The synthesis technology provides formation of an active inner surface (surface of mesopores), which will enable binding and retention of medicinal preparations upon their introduction into the particles. The particles are promising for application in theranostics of cancerous growths as nanocontainers simultaneously serving as biomarkers.