Abstract: A silicified cell includes a nanoparticle that carries a bioactive agent. The silicified call can be a tumor cell, a bacterial cell, a virus, or a silicifiable compartment or fragment thereof. The silicified cell can optionally include an immunomodulatory moiety that may be carried within pores of the nanoparticle and/or bound to the surface of the nanoparticle. The silicified cell can be used as a prophylactic or therapeutic treatment for treating tumors or bacterial infections.

Abstract: A mesoporous silica nanoparticle includes a plurality of pores, a bioactive agent disposed in at least a portion of the ores, and an immunomodulatory moiety either disposed in a portion of the pores or bound to at least a portion of the outer surface of the nanoparticle.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods of producing star-like mesoporous silica nanoparticles (SMSNPs) and protocells SMSNPs and their use for targeted drug delivery formulations and systems and for biomedical applications. Also provided are methods of producing monosized protocells from monodisperse SMSNPs and their use for targeted drug delivery formulations and systems and for biomedical applications.