A biological perspective of particulate nanoporous silicon

An overview is given of the state of the art in the nanobioengineering of porous silicon. Porous silicon processes are explored from the microfabrication of porous silicon films and particulates to the functionalization and derivation of their surfaces, with associated stability issues. The biocompatibility, biodegradability potential, and overall biological interface provided by porous silicon are discussed. Focusing primarily on particulate structures, an attempt is also made to give a broad perspective on the major clinical and diagnostic applications of porous silicon.