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Type: 
Journal
Description: 
Diatomite is a natural porous silica material of sedimentary origin, formed by remains of diatom skeletons called “frustules.” The abundance in many areas of the world and the peculiar physico-chemical properties made diatomite an intriguing material for several applications ranging from food production to pharmaceutics. However, diatomite is a material still rarely used in biomedical applications. In this chapter, the properties of diatom frustules reduced to nanoparticles, with an average diameter less than 350 nm, as potential drug vectors are described. Their biocompatibility, cellular uptake, and capability to transport molecules inside cancer cells are discussed. Preliminary studies of in vivo toxicity are also presented.
Publisher: 
InTech Open
Publication date: 
29 Jun 2016
Authors: 

Monica Terracciano, Luca De Stefano, Hélder A Santos, Nicola M Martucci, Angela Tino, Immacolata Ruggiero, Ivo Rendina, Nunzia Migliaccio, Claudia Tortiglione, Annalisa Lamberti, Ilaria Rea

Biblio References: 
Pages: 211-235
Origin: 
Algae-Organisms for Imminent Biotechnology