Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods of producing monosized protocells from monosized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (mMSNPs) and their use for targeted drug delivery formulations and systems and for biomedical applications. The present disclosure is also directed in part to a multilamellar or unilamellar protocell vaccine to deliver full length viral protein and/or plasmid encoded viral protein to antigen presenting cells (APCs) in order to induce an immunogenic response to a virus.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods of producing monosized protocells from monosized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (mMSNPs) and their use for targeted drug delivery formulations and systems and for biomedical applications. The present disclosure is also directed in part to a multilamellar or unilamellar protocell vaccine to deliver full length viral protein and/or plasmid encoded viral protein to antigen presenting cells (APCs) in order to induce an immunogenic response to a virus.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs), monodisperse populations of MSNPs and related protocells which exhibit single cell binding specificity to the substantial exclusion of non-targeted cells. For example, MSNPs and protocells of the invention may be used to target specific delivery of therapeutic agents to cancer cells or to specific blood vessel types (e.g. in the arterial, venous and/or capillary vessels or any combination of vessels). Related protocells, pharmaceutical compositions and therapeutic and diagnostic methods are also provided.